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jacq_benoit's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
Pleasure here lies in Linden's understated character studies, not in a plot that motivates the arranged marriage but then has little to do with the development of a relationship between our hero and heroine.
secretromancereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.75
charms1976's review against another edition
4.0
Blame It on Bath is the second novel in the Truth About the Duke series by author Caroline Linden. The main characters featured are Gerard de Lacey and Katherine Howe.
After finishing the last book in the series, I was a little curious about Gerard. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like reading about his journey. He is the youngest of the bunch and he seemed a little hot headed. I hoped the author would make him a little more interesting with some softer emotions shown to the reader in his book.
Holy. Freaking. HOTNESS.
Gerard de Lacey was one fine specimen who could be so dirty in the bed. Not only was the sexy scenes so much better in this book, but Gerard was swoon worthy. He is faithful, dependable, sweet, and very sexy. While he went into this marriage with Kate on the basis of an arrangement, he was completely changed by the end of the book.
While this book heavily focuses on Gerard and Kate exploring their marriage of convenience, the mystery of the blackmailer is still in question. I wish there would have been a bit more focus on the mystery, I can't say I am completely disappointed in getting some lovely romance between the two.
So far this is my favorite of the series. While it is only book two, the author did a much better job in focusing on the romance in this book for the swoon factor. I am looking forward to seeing how Charles will handle being the one left holding the bag in unearthing the blackmailer.
After finishing the last book in the series, I was a little curious about Gerard. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like reading about his journey. He is the youngest of the bunch and he seemed a little hot headed. I hoped the author would make him a little more interesting with some softer emotions shown to the reader in his book.
Holy. Freaking. HOTNESS.
Gerard de Lacey was one fine specimen who could be so dirty in the bed. Not only was the sexy scenes so much better in this book, but Gerard was swoon worthy. He is faithful, dependable, sweet, and very sexy. While he went into this marriage with Kate on the basis of an arrangement, he was completely changed by the end of the book.
While this book heavily focuses on Gerard and Kate exploring their marriage of convenience, the mystery of the blackmailer is still in question. I wish there would have been a bit more focus on the mystery, I can't say I am completely disappointed in getting some lovely romance between the two.
So far this is my favorite of the series. While it is only book two, the author did a much better job in focusing on the romance in this book for the swoon factor. I am looking forward to seeing how Charles will handle being the one left holding the bag in unearthing the blackmailer.
labwa_0712's review against another edition
3.0
I actually enjoyed this book. With a steady plot, nice, mature characters, a proper build up and a sweet romance. So far the series has been enjoyable, not knocking me off my feet or full of angst. But enjoyable nevertheless.
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Part #2 of the Durham Dilemma, focusing on the blackmail angle. Gerard and Kate's story doesn't have the instant-lust aspects that Edward and Francesa's did, but has a very real-world feel which I liked.
A few aspects of Northanger Abbey/Persuasion were included - appropriately, since the novel was set primarily in Bath.
Now that Charlie has bestirred himself (and his broken leg healed in a month? six weeks? that's pretty fast) we'll have to wait until August to see if the brothers put the Durham Dilemma to rest or the odious cousin wins out.
Spoiler
Although I didn't get how Lucien could "control" Kate's money when clearly it was held under the auspices of her solicitor? perhaps that's where the mental abuse from mother/late husband/late husband's cousin comes inA few aspects of Northanger Abbey/Persuasion were included - appropriately, since the novel was set primarily in Bath.
Now that Charlie has bestirred himself (and his broken leg healed in a month? six weeks? that's pretty fast) we'll have to wait until August to see if the brothers put the Durham Dilemma to rest or the odious cousin wins out.
winterreader40's review against another edition
4.0
Katherine finds Gerard in an inn the night before he leaves town and proposes a marriage of convenience, her wealth for his assistance in avoiding a marriage to a man she loathes. Since Gerard had been thinking for a while now that he needed to find an heiress to marry in case things don't go his and his brothers way, this is very well timed on Kate's part, she gives him 3 days to do his research.
Watching as he slowly melts her defenses and she allows her personality to shine through, which has always been frowned on either by her mother or her first husband was extremely sweet, and very steamy in a lot of places :)
The side character's where also interesting in this one, be it her new friends, his old ones, her mother or the man she avoiding marrying. I do wish we'd see more interaction between the brothers, hopefully that will be in the last book.
Watching as he slowly melts her defenses and she allows her personality to shine through, which has always been frowned on either by her mother or her first husband was extremely sweet, and very steamy in a lot of places :)
The side character's where also interesting in this one, be it her new friends, his old ones, her mother or the man she avoiding marrying. I do wish we'd see more interaction between the brothers, hopefully that will be in the last book.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Look for review on a href="http://www.nightowlreview.com">Night Owl Review
laurenjodi's review
4.0
Blame it on Bath
4.5 Stars
Series note: There is an ongoing story arch involving the deceased Duke of Durham's secret and as such it is recommended that the books be read in order.
As a third son, Captain Gerrard de Lacey always knew he would have to marry an heiress, and this is only reinforced by the revelation of the Durham Dilemma. Thus, when he is approached by Lady Katherine Howe with the proposition of a marriage of convenience, he is only too eager to accept.
Kate and Gerrard's opposites attract romance is delightful. Honorable, courageous and daring, Gerrard is a bit of a hot head, who never encountered a challenge he could refuse. Kate is reserved and shy, but shows a great deal of strength when provoked. Their chemistry is intense and their love scenes sensual and scorching.
There are some minor developments in the ongoing blackmail plot, but obviously Linden is leaving the majority of the twists as well as the resolution for the final installment.
My one small nitpick is the, which goes on a tad too long for my tastes.
In sum, an excellent follow-up and I am looking forward to Charles meeting his match in the last book.
4.5 Stars
Series note: There is an ongoing story arch involving the deceased Duke of Durham's secret and as such it is recommended that the books be read in order.
As a third son, Captain Gerrard de Lacey always knew he would have to marry an heiress, and this is only reinforced by the revelation of the Durham Dilemma. Thus, when he is approached by Lady Katherine Howe with the proposition of a marriage of convenience, he is only too eager to accept.
Kate and Gerrard's opposites attract romance is delightful. Honorable, courageous and daring, Gerrard is a bit of a hot head, who never encountered a challenge he could refuse. Kate is reserved and shy, but shows a great deal of strength when provoked. Their chemistry is intense and their love scenes sensual and scorching.
There are some minor developments in the ongoing blackmail plot, but obviously Linden is leaving the majority of the twists as well as the resolution for the final installment.
My one small nitpick is the
Spoiler
contrived separation at the endIn sum, an excellent follow-up and I am looking forward to Charles meeting his match in the last book.
bookwife's review against another edition
1.0
The narrator was terrible... kind of hard to ignore and ruined a lot of the story. Also I hated both the MCs.