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tales_of_a_bookbug's review against another edition
3.0
A good book, but I believe there could have been more.It started off very promising and since I love geeky/intelligent/bluestocking heroines in HR books, I was pretty sure I would love it.
Martha was a really good heroine.She was intelligent,focused and determined.
Jordan was also not a beast or anything like that.He was just a man damaged by his experiences and searching for something in life.Though he appeared a little rude in the beginning, his behavior changes slowly.Their relationship also slowly developed from mutual dislike to one where they respect each other.
But in the last one third of the book, I don't know what exactly happened.The level-headed characters that I loved were acting so differently and weren't thinking their way out of problems.They were so sad and despondent.I guess love is to blame?They could have just communicated with each other properly, or atleast with others!
I pretty much hated Josephine(Martha's sister) and Reese(Jordan's friend) by the end of the book, but I loved reading the chapters from their POVs since it gives us an insight into their motivations and inner workings.Even though Reese is pretty cunning, I loved how he also got snared under Josephine's spell and managed to bring Josephine with him.Even though technically they would never be truly happy with each other, I would still love to see a follow up on them or maybe a cameo in future books.
The part that made me sad was Jordan had noone else for him other than Martha!Atleast Martha had her grandmother on her side, but Jordan didn't even have a loyal friend.I didn't like it when Martha put up with Josephine's antics and even at the end, they let her run free.Pretty shitty if you ask me.
But it was realistic in the fact that we could see the reasons why the characters behaved in certain ways.They all had well developed backstories and events that influenced them.Nobody was a 2d carboard cutout in this and that was my favorite part about this book.
Overall, it was a really good book that pulled me in and made me invested in the characters!The author's writing is also very good and I'll be definitely checking out her other works in the future as they seem very interesting!
Martha was a really good heroine.She was intelligent,focused and determined.
Jordan was also not a beast or anything like that.He was just a man damaged by his experiences and searching for something in life.Though he appeared a little rude in the beginning, his behavior changes slowly.Their relationship also slowly developed from mutual dislike to one where they respect each other.
But in the last one third of the book, I don't know what exactly happened.The level-headed characters that I loved were acting so differently and weren't thinking their way out of problems.They were so sad and despondent.I guess love is to blame?They could have just communicated with each other properly, or atleast with others!
I pretty much hated Josephine(Martha's sister) and Reese(Jordan's friend) by the end of the book, but I loved reading the chapters from their POVs since it gives us an insight into their motivations and inner workings.Even though Reese is pretty cunning, I loved how he also got snared under Josephine's spell and managed to bring Josephine with him.Even though technically they would never be truly happy with each other, I would still love to see a follow up on them or maybe a cameo in future books.
The part that made me sad was Jordan had noone else for him other than Martha!Atleast Martha had her grandmother on her side, but Jordan didn't even have a loyal friend.I didn't like it when Martha put up with Josephine's antics and even at the end, they let her run free.Pretty shitty if you ask me.
But it was realistic in the fact that we could see the reasons why the characters behaved in certain ways.They all had well developed backstories and events that influenced them.Nobody was a 2d carboard cutout in this and that was my favorite part about this book.
Overall, it was a really good book that pulled me in and made me invested in the characters!The author's writing is also very good and I'll be definitely checking out her other works in the future as they seem very interesting!
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The English Duke, is the second book in the Duke Trilogy. After reading book one and LOVING it, I had some high expectations for this one, and I am gratified to say that I truly enjoyed this one quite a bit. It definitely can be read as a stand alone, I am not sure how the trilogy is connected. So they are easy to read on their own.
In The English Duke we have a story that brings together two great minds. Our heroine, Martha York, has been working with her father on a certain invention, which could aid their country in the long run. But then her father passes away, and desired that all his research and items go to his one friend and colleague....The Duke of Roth. A man who has been ignoring her letters, so trying to fulfill her father's dying wish, she gathers everything together including her grandmother and her sister and head to his estate. Their welcome is less than warm and she realizes that Jordan is not what she expected and she makes it clear to him his rudeness and soon Jordan and Martha end up working together and developing an affection for each other only there is a plan to seperate them.
I have so much love for this book, and it just hit the right spot for me. Many of the players in the story I truly had a good time with except for two. Martha's sister Josephine and Jordan's close friend Reese. Josephine has had everything handed to her, been the "special" child, and is too spoiled for her own good. When they arrive at the Duke of Roth's home, Josephine makes it her mission to win the favor of Jordan. But Jordan, is drawn to Martha and not just for her looks. He appreciates her mind and her kind heart. What was most wonderful about their romance, was how comfortable they get along with each other. They both have intellectual minds and they are able to connect in this way first, but we see how content they are in each other's presence. Now I will admit I did NOT like Jordan at first. I thought he was rude and selfish. But then we learn of his leg injury, where he has pushed himself hard to make sure no one sees him as lame. We see that he uses certain defensive mechanisms. But once you learn his reasons, you start to soften toward him. Now Martha was a heroine I truly loved. I could see so much of myself in her. She isn't full speed ahead, she is more calm and relaxed. She is very patient and smart. Especially in seeing how she deals with her sister, who is completely horrid to her. I love that she is still such a wonderful human being, and hasn't let how others have treated her to effect how she treats them.
The only thing I couldn't figure out happened toward the end, so I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read this one yet. But I couldn't figure out why Jordan and Martha didn't speak up earlier but no worries because these two find their happy ending in the best way and this book left me happy and content!!
[foogallery id="39259"]
The English Duke, is the second book in the Duke Trilogy. After reading book one and LOVING it, I had some high expectations for this one, and I am gratified to say that I truly enjoyed this one quite a bit. It definitely can be read as a stand alone, I am not sure how the trilogy is connected. So they are easy to read on their own.
In The English Duke we have a story that brings together two great minds. Our heroine, Martha York, has been working with her father on a certain invention, which could aid their country in the long run. But then her father passes away, and desired that all his research and items go to his one friend and colleague....The Duke of Roth. A man who has been ignoring her letters, so trying to fulfill her father's dying wish, she gathers everything together including her grandmother and her sister and head to his estate. Their welcome is less than warm and she realizes that Jordan is not what she expected and she makes it clear to him his rudeness and soon Jordan and Martha end up working together and developing an affection for each other only there is a plan to seperate them.
I have so much love for this book, and it just hit the right spot for me. Many of the players in the story I truly had a good time with except for two. Martha's sister Josephine and Jordan's close friend Reese. Josephine has had everything handed to her, been the "special" child, and is too spoiled for her own good. When they arrive at the Duke of Roth's home, Josephine makes it her mission to win the favor of Jordan. But Jordan, is drawn to Martha and not just for her looks. He appreciates her mind and her kind heart. What was most wonderful about their romance, was how comfortable they get along with each other. They both have intellectual minds and they are able to connect in this way first, but we see how content they are in each other's presence. Now I will admit I did NOT like Jordan at first. I thought he was rude and selfish. But then we learn of his leg injury, where he has pushed himself hard to make sure no one sees him as lame. We see that he uses certain defensive mechanisms. But once you learn his reasons, you start to soften toward him. Now Martha was a heroine I truly loved. I could see so much of myself in her. She isn't full speed ahead, she is more calm and relaxed. She is very patient and smart. Especially in seeing how she deals with her sister, who is completely horrid to her. I love that she is still such a wonderful human being, and hasn't let how others have treated her to effect how she treats them.
The only thing I couldn't figure out happened toward the end, so I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't read this one yet. But I couldn't figure out why Jordan and Martha didn't speak up earlier but no worries because these two find their happy ending in the best way and this book left me happy and content!!
[foogallery id="39259"]
shinysue's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are so well done, great personalities. The sister was a bit too dramatic and evil, and I honestly don't understand what reece sees in her, but it's not often these books have such a thorough villain.
ctsquirrel's review against another edition
4.0
Ranney seems to pad out her books reiterating various things. The staff's opinion of Josephine is mentioned and then reworded a few pages later for the reader. Why not mention some other way she's a bitch instead of the same one.
Tags: Victorian - 1871; Military - Jordan served in the Navy for the Crimean War and worked some for the War Office; Disabled - Jordan severely injured his leg after being thrown from a horse and is still recovering a little over a year later.
Tags: Victorian - 1871; Military - Jordan served in the Navy for the Crimean War and worked some for the War Office; Disabled - Jordan severely injured his leg after being thrown from a horse and is still recovering a little over a year later.
turtlemagix's review against another edition
5.0
The English Duke is the first book I've read by this author and I am definitely a new fan! I loved the characters, the plot, and the writing style.
autumnfirewitch's review against another edition
3.0
The whole evil sister thing was infuriating. Ok book.
maggie_the_reader's review against another edition
2.0
1. Badly in need of editing- there were a lot of errors in grammar, vocabulary, and continuity.
2. Very low on ‘steam’ factor - the couple spends little time together and the love scenes were brief and low on details.
3. The wicked stepsister storyline was annoying, unnecessary, and took away from the romance.
The hero and heroine were likable, and it appeared they would have chemistry. Their backstories were good. The invention storyline was interesting. It could have made a good romance. Instead the author tanked it with a vicious twat that took up half the pages and didn’t even get her comeuppance. Disappointing!
2. Very low on ‘steam’ factor - the couple spends little time together and the love scenes were brief and low on details.
3. The wicked stepsister storyline was annoying, unnecessary, and took away from the romance.
The hero and heroine were likable, and it appeared they would have chemistry. Their backstories were good. The invention storyline was interesting. It could have made a good romance. Instead the author tanked it with a vicious twat that took up half the pages and didn’t even get her comeuppance. Disappointing!
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
Oooh, this was such a good read. Martha and Jordan were absolutely wonderful together, their romance initiated through Jordan's correspondence with her father though neither of them realized it at the time. In person, their relationship started a bit rockier, but it was soon clear to everyone around them that they were meant to be together. It took them a little longer to figure it out, but that made it even better once they did.
The secondary characters weren't quite as likable on their own merits, though they definitely have their uses in terms of moving the plot along. Martha's grandmother was a bit too manipulative for comfort, though of course her initial actions are the ones that caused Jordan and Martha to spend so much time together, and she really did have Martha's happiness in mind for at least part of the book. Martha's half-sister and Jordan's so-called friend, though? Real pieces of work. They definitely amped up the drama and angst, serving their purpose, but ugh, other than that had very few if any positive qualities. At least Martha and Jordan will likely be so busy inventing and creating together that it probably won't matter much to them that they don't get many outside visitors.
The English Duke is the second book in Ranney's Duke Trilogy and works perfectly well as a standalone. I'm really enjoying Ms. Ranney's writing in this series, and am looking forward to book 3's ([b:The American Duke|34216905|The American Duke|Karen Ranney|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|55267635]) release next fall!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The secondary characters weren't quite as likable on their own merits, though they definitely have their uses in terms of moving the plot along. Martha's grandmother was a bit too manipulative for comfort, though of course her initial actions are the ones that caused Jordan and Martha to spend so much time together, and she really did have Martha's happiness in mind for at least part of the book. Martha's half-sister and Jordan's so-called friend, though? Real pieces of work. They definitely amped up the drama and angst, serving their purpose, but ugh, other than that had very few if any positive qualities. At least Martha and Jordan will likely be so busy inventing and creating together that it probably won't matter much to them that they don't get many outside visitors.
The English Duke is the second book in Ranney's Duke Trilogy and works perfectly well as a standalone. I'm really enjoying Ms. Ranney's writing in this series, and am looking forward to book 3's ([b:The American Duke|34216905|The American Duke|Karen Ranney|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|55267635]) release next fall!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.