Reviews

The Duke Effect by Sophie Jordan

latetotheparty's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I was glad to see that the Warrington pond made another appearance. Sadly, Nora got short-changed on her sexy times - or maybe we did, as readers. I liked that her "competition" wasn't catty, was actually a good person. That old duke was so terrible, but also seemed to dote on his wife? I didn't like the love potion from the previous book so wasn't thrilled for it to reappear. I was so sad for Nora during the conflict, even though I was cheering her on. And her lady's maid was fun and a great companion. 

Same as for the other Sophie Jordan I read: don't understand author's (or editor's?) use of female here. I guess I'm feeling sensitive here in 2023 when folks who refer to women as female are not usually doing so in a positive way. It almost offends me more than 'chit'. 

Should I go back and read Marian's story? 

doggearredreadss's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.0

honeysbookobsession's review against another edition

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This was a great read. It had some very hot scenes and I enjoyed the lead having her own mind.
I felt like I was there in that time. It always amazes me when an author can teleport you to a new place. These types of authors are the best.

chroniclesofabookreader's review against another edition

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DNF @ 25%

I could not find my rhythm with this one. The characters weren’t enticing and the story wasn’t pulling me in, and eventually I just lost interest.

**Received an early copy; this had no bearing on my opinions**

carleysuzanne's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

forprd's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

3.75

hantheam's review against another edition

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I'm willing to overlook a lot in historical romances. At a time when women couldn't vote or own property, the power imbalance in these relationships is practically unavoidable. So, I am not particularly perturbed by the existence of age gaps in these narratives. Rather, everything comes down portrayal.  And...oh boy.

Disclaimer: I had not read the previous books and came into this blind. As such I rather baselessly assumed Nora (who has been writing to the hero for 5 years) was a confirmed spinster in her mid-twenties. Which made her self-absorption feel like an endearing personality trait, rather than immaturity.

She is 20 to the hero's 31. Which OK. Fine. Sure. But, he all-but calls her a baby, and refers to her repeatedly as "the girl" and "the female" (while upset at her deceit). She is impetuous in a way that only confirms her childishness. Their correspondence started when she was just 15. For me, all of this added up to too much of an ick.

aedgeworth27's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

meloakes21's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No

1.0