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whatcaroread's review
3.0
This novella is the first book in Stacy Reids Scandalous House of Calydon series.
Our heroine, Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne has been compromised by the brother of Sebastian, Duke of Calydon. To save her and her familys reputation Lady Jocelyn goes to the Dukes house, holds him at gun point and demands him to make his brother marry her. The Duke refuses but just so happens to be looking for a wife for himself.
Overall I enjoyed this novella, how our love interests meet and watching them develop affection for each other.
I do think that this would've made a great full length novel as some aspects felt rushed towards the end.
Our heroine, Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne has been compromised by the brother of Sebastian, Duke of Calydon. To save her and her familys reputation Lady Jocelyn goes to the Dukes house, holds him at gun point and demands him to make his brother marry her. The Duke refuses but just so happens to be looking for a wife for himself.
Overall I enjoyed this novella, how our love interests meet and watching them develop affection for each other.
I do think that this would've made a great full length novel as some aspects felt rushed towards the end.
girlwithhearteyes's review
4.0
4 stars.
I really liked this short, steamy historical novella.
FMC barges into the MMC's study, with a small pistol, demanding retribution. She claims that his brother seduced her, so the MMC (a Duke) should make his brother do the honorable thing. Brother is already married now, so FMC insists that the Duke marry her (I think this is a negotiation tactic, she thought he would offer more money) but to her surprise he agrees.
I really liked the FMC in this - she is very straightforward and to the point. The love story is pretty sweet as well - it developed quickly (it is a novella) but was not too instalove. Definitely will be checking out full-length books by Stacy Reid.
I really liked this short, steamy historical novella.
FMC barges into the MMC's study, with a small pistol, demanding retribution. She claims that his brother seduced her, so the MMC (a Duke) should make his brother do the honorable thing. Brother is already married now, so FMC insists that the Duke marry her (I think this is a negotiation tactic, she thought he would offer more money) but to her surprise he agrees.
I really liked the FMC in this - she is very straightforward and to the point. The love story is pretty sweet as well - it developed quickly (it is a novella) but was not too instalove. Definitely will be checking out full-length books by Stacy Reid.
srbhansen's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
aedgeworth27's review
3.0
This was short and sweet and kinda just OK for me. I didn't know it was basically a novella when I started reading and was surprised at the speed of the story. I thought the story was unique, creative, and really interesting and was a bit disappointed it was so short. I really wanted to see their relationship grow and develop more naturally and slowly and being a novella obviously made that difficult. That being said, Stacy Reid is still one of my most favorite historical romance writers. Her writing is impeccable and her characters are so well developed--which is so talented in a story this short. I will read anything and everything from her no matter what.
kstep1805's review
3.0
This was a novella, but such a good story. My biggest disappointment is that there was so much more story that could have been written to flush it all out.
tawnyad2004's review
2.0
DNF 70%
I’ve read 2 other books by this author and loved them so I was rather disappointed by this book. I mean it’s only 116 pages and I didn’t even finish it. I just didn’t like the main characters. AT ALL. So the the heroine, Jocelyn goes to the duke to force his brother to marry her. She tells him he’s compromised her and promised marriage. From what I gather they shared a few chaste kisses but were more friends then anything and marriage was never actually promised (I think that’s what happened it was a little vague at this point). What a conniving, selfish woman. I mean I get that she’s doing it for her family but essentially she’s planning to trap a “friend” into marriage to save her and her families butts. When in all accounts from her father and the duke she is a stunningly beautiful woman. Surely she could get a marriage without deceit. So I didn’t like her or sympathies with her at all.
Then there’s the duke. Wow. He is a cold hearted, aggressive, uncaring man of the ton. I mean seriously. They’ve known each other for a day. He knows she’s never really kissed anyone and he is so rough and uncaring about it being her first time having sex. I mean I’m reading this and thinking it I wasn’t reading from her perspective and she didn’t come right out and say she enjoyed it, it felt and read an awful lot like rape.
I’ve read 2 other books by this author and loved them so I was rather disappointed by this book. I mean it’s only 116 pages and I didn’t even finish it. I just didn’t like the main characters. AT ALL. So the the heroine, Jocelyn goes to the duke to force his brother to marry her. She tells him he’s compromised her and promised marriage. From what I gather they shared a few chaste kisses but were more friends then anything and marriage was never actually promised (I think that’s what happened it was a little vague at this point). What a conniving, selfish woman. I mean I get that she’s doing it for her family but essentially she’s planning to trap a “friend” into marriage to save her and her families butts. When in all accounts from her father and the duke she is a stunningly beautiful woman. Surely she could get a marriage without deceit. So I didn’t like her or sympathies with her at all.
Then there’s the duke. Wow. He is a cold hearted, aggressive, uncaring man of the ton. I mean seriously. They’ve known each other for a day. He knows she’s never really kissed anyone and he is so rough and uncaring about it being her first time having sex. I mean I’m reading this and thinking it I wasn’t reading from her perspective and she didn’t come right out and say she enjoyed it, it felt and read an awful lot like rape.
kimmiereadsalot's review
2.75
Not long enough. Wanted more. Didn’t fully feel the feelings and professions of love. I think Jocelyn is a fun character. Would have liked to get to know her more.
Also. The daughter of an earl is “lady first name”. Not “lady title name” or “miss title name”.
Also. The daughter of an earl is “lady first name”. Not “lady title name” or “miss title name”.
buuboobaby's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
After a rocky start, I'll give this 3.5 stars for the feel good ending. Sebastian could be a real jerk, but he started to come around by the end of the story.
After a rocky start, I'll give this 3.5 stars for the feel good ending. Sebastian could be a real jerk, but he started to come around by the end of the story.