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undercoverlibrarian13's review
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
One of my favorite books of all time! I love the way these characters come together!
deshie5055's review
5.0
Susan Jennings isn't your typical regency protagonist. For one, she is firmly on the shelf at age 30. It's refreshing to see a well-written character above the age of 20 in a regency novel. Most of the time you read about girls who have seen a season or two and think they will never find love. Susan isn't like that, she is content with her situation knowing that her family will never force her to marry if she cannot respect the gentleman.
Her life completely changes where her "fairy godmother," Lady Walmsley, takes her to London, gives her a makeover (to highlight what was already there), and helps her gain confidence not only in her intelligence but in her inner and outer beauty.
Despite learning his heir is a criminal, George Kendell, Duke of Aylesham feels no need or pressure to marry-until Prinny decides to reward him for his actions for the crown. Unwilling to marry Prinny's choice, George names the first woman that pops into his head as his fiance, Susan Jennings. Too bad that they hate each other.
From enemies to engaged, George and Susan must learn to make the best of their situation by getting to know one another, proving you can't judge a book by its cover. This book is filled with plenty of familiar faces and a few new ones creating a story you won't want to miss.
Her life completely changes where her "fairy godmother," Lady Walmsley, takes her to London, gives her a makeover (to highlight what was already there), and helps her gain confidence not only in her intelligence but in her inner and outer beauty.
Despite learning his heir is a criminal, George Kendell, Duke of Aylesham feels no need or pressure to marry-until Prinny decides to reward him for his actions for the crown. Unwilling to marry Prinny's choice, George names the first woman that pops into his head as his fiance, Susan Jennings. Too bad that they hate each other.
From enemies to engaged, George and Susan must learn to make the best of their situation by getting to know one another, proving you can't judge a book by its cover. This book is filled with plenty of familiar faces and a few new ones creating a story you won't want to miss.
katiemayveil's review
5.0
Susan Jennings is content with her life. At thirty years old she assists her parents, bonds with her younger sister, and is a doting aunt. She has no love for life in London, and has no desire to go back and visit, until an unexpected offer arrives. She will now have the opportunity to see the celebrations as Napoleon Bonaparte is officially defeated, as a lover of history and knowledge, she can't pass this up.
While there she is reintroduced to a man she has despised since first meeting him, George, Duke of Aylesham. Her first and last impression of him was that he is snobbish and overbearing and she immediately gives him the nickname of 'His Loftiness.' Neither Susan or Aylesham have any desire to interact with one another more than absolutely necessary, until they are forced too.
Aylesham slips up when he is pressed to enter into a marriage for political gain. As he refuses he is forced to come up with an excuse and decides on a previous betrothal to none other than Susan. As the two of them decide to work together for the benefit of all involved their interactions become less hostile and more trusting.
Susan impresses him with her quick wit and impressive knowledge, as well as her ability and courage to stand her ground, even in the face of royalty. George is coming to terms that this may be more than just a marriage of convenience, but first they have a few hurdles to overcome.
Karen Tuft has knocked it out of the park with this one. Susan is a force to be reckoned with, and is very comfortable in her own skin, even as an unmarried 30 year old whom society has labeled a spinster. But she hides behind her intellect, and as she see's her physical beauty in a new light she learns how to make the two attributes work together. George is difficult, demanding, and used to being alone. He slowly see's things in a different light and realizes that his actions affect others. Seeing the two of them work together is lovely and captivating.
While there she is reintroduced to a man she has despised since first meeting him, George, Duke of Aylesham. Her first and last impression of him was that he is snobbish and overbearing and she immediately gives him the nickname of 'His Loftiness.' Neither Susan or Aylesham have any desire to interact with one another more than absolutely necessary, until they are forced too.
Aylesham slips up when he is pressed to enter into a marriage for political gain. As he refuses he is forced to come up with an excuse and decides on a previous betrothal to none other than Susan. As the two of them decide to work together for the benefit of all involved their interactions become less hostile and more trusting.
Susan impresses him with her quick wit and impressive knowledge, as well as her ability and courage to stand her ground, even in the face of royalty. George is coming to terms that this may be more than just a marriage of convenience, but first they have a few hurdles to overcome.
Karen Tuft has knocked it out of the park with this one. Susan is a force to be reckoned with, and is very comfortable in her own skin, even as an unmarried 30 year old whom society has labeled a spinster. But she hides behind her intellect, and as she see's her physical beauty in a new light she learns how to make the two attributes work together. George is difficult, demanding, and used to being alone. He slowly see's things in a different light and realizes that his actions affect others. Seeing the two of them work together is lovely and captivating.
jbmarie's review
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Well written and almost well developed. It started with a lot of promise, but didn't quite hit the mark. The beginning had some lovely description of the characters' actions (which I love), but towards the middle it switched to just stating their thoughts and opinions with no actions to support them. For example, a character is described as clever multiple times, but the actions of that character only demonstrate it twice... It just doesn't hold up. Moving the plot forward with only dialogue or the ultimate cop out - sex/PDA - makes the story fall flat.
excel_spreadsheet_book_nerd's review
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
3.0
bookworm_vevans's review
5.0
Very well written. I am a big fan of period romance novels and I enjoyed this one very much. The character development was done at an adequate pace and there is an HEA.
Note - If you looking for a romance novel with explicit dirty bits, this is NOT that type of novel. However, it is still exciting.
Note - If you looking for a romance novel with explicit dirty bits, this is NOT that type of novel. However, it is still exciting.
janaya's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-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
2.75
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review
4.0
I have read some of Tuft’s previous books and while this book can be read as a stand alone - previous characters and events are mentioned often that it may be best to read in order. It’s been quite a few months since I read Kit and Elizabeth and didn’t remember much.
atrinkl's review
2.0
In short, to get out of an arranged marriage to a foreign princess, The Duke of Aylesham blurts out that he’s betrothed to none other than the 30 year old spinster Susan Jennings, who he’s already sworn to loathe (oh did I borrow that from P&P *wink*). They come to an arrangement and we have everyone’s favorite enemies to lovers trope.
I would give this 2.5 stars... maybe I would revisit to give it three. You get what you’re expecting out of this book. It unfolds in the predictable way, from beginning to end, and I only find fault the fact that I found myself skimming in the second half when it came to the “business” side of George’s life because it sounded like complexities that didn’t matter (and well, they sure didn’t in the end). Susan knowing German - GOLLY, that wasn’t a twist lol.
As a side note — it felt very much like the author took aspects of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s personalities and inserted them into each of them (but perhaps that’s just me).
I was incredibly disappointed by the fact that a quarter of the way in they were already totally in love with each other... they went from having silly mean nicknames for each other to secretly smitten SO FAST and making out on the sofa, and as someone who loves a slow burn, I’m disappointed the author didn’t use more of the book for at least one of them to remain blind in love and then have a big “oh my god, I’m in love with him/her” moment... alas, it wasn’t to be. By the time they proclaim their love, you, as the reader are well aware it’ll all end happily.
I would give this 2.5 stars... maybe I would revisit to give it three. You get what you’re expecting out of this book. It unfolds in the predictable way, from beginning to end, and I only find fault the fact that I found myself skimming in the second half when it came to the “business” side of George’s life because it sounded like complexities that didn’t matter (and well, they sure didn’t in the end). Susan knowing German - GOLLY, that wasn’t a twist lol.
As a side note — it felt very much like the author took aspects of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s personalities and inserted them into each of them (but perhaps that’s just me).
I was incredibly disappointed by the fact that a quarter of the way in they were already totally in love with each other... they went from having silly mean nicknames for each other to secretly smitten SO FAST and making out on the sofa, and as someone who loves a slow burn, I’m disappointed the author didn’t use more of the book for at least one of them to remain blind in love and then have a big “oh my god, I’m in love with him/her” moment... alas, it wasn’t to be. By the time they proclaim their love, you, as the reader are well aware it’ll all end happily.