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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This regency second chance romance throws together a duke crafted from a pristine reputation and flawless arrogance and an inventor engineered from brash foolhardiness and determined ingenuity. The best part was seeing Fiona dress in men's clothes to navigate spaces where she isn't allowed on behalf of her business interests. The subterfuge paired with the subversiveness was a delicious combination. I also liked Fiona's burgeoning friendships with the duke's siblings but was less enamored with the romance. It's a classic "controlling man meets uncontrollable woman," fueling an obvious antagonism that is also somehow attraction. I was frustrated by unnecessary recklessness and lies that came between them, but at least I give them credit for genuine personal growth at the end.
Beyond the lackluster romance, it's the politics that sink this one for me, as is often the case. The duke is a "moderate," a descriptor that dating profiles have taught me to react to with complete and utter despair for the person in question and for humanity at large. At one point our duke remarks, "Protests and pitchforks cause a lot of harm for limited gain." And then he gets to be "haunted" because he was endangered by a protest once, as if his status doesn't endanger people daily where he doesn't have to see it. I understand the concern about mob behavior. A certain recent insurrection attempt comes to mind. I think where I struggle is that painting in broad strokes about the dangers of protest removes any nuance from the conversation around power, privilege, and collective action. It's also irresponsible to suggest that a historical venue for the plot removes the need for deeper thought. The contemporary lens of both the author and readers can't help but draw up recent corollaries and applications as we read. Finally, the duke ponders that "centuries of tradition shouldn't be overturned because of one unusual female" to suggest that Fiona's example of facing unfair barriers to her business success doesn't indicate a broken system but rather her own exceptionalism to seek what other women don't. Boohiss.
Beyond the lackluster romance, it's the politics that sink this one for me, as is often the case. The duke is a "moderate," a descriptor that dating profiles have taught me to react to with complete and utter despair for the person in question and for humanity at large. At one point our duke remarks, "Protests and pitchforks cause a lot of harm for limited gain." And then he gets to be "haunted" because he was endangered by a protest once, as if his status doesn't endanger people daily where he doesn't have to see it. I understand the concern about mob behavior. A certain recent insurrection attempt comes to mind. I think where I struggle is that painting in broad strokes about the dangers of protest removes any nuance from the conversation around power, privilege, and collective action. It's also irresponsible to suggest that a historical venue for the plot removes the need for deeper thought. The contemporary lens of both the author and readers can't help but draw up recent corollaries and applications as we read. Finally, the duke ponders that "centuries of tradition shouldn't be overturned because of one unusual female" to suggest that Fiona's example of facing unfair barriers to her business success doesn't indicate a broken system but rather her own exceptionalism to seek what other women don't. Boohiss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Abandonment, Classism, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
sarahsthoughtsonbooks's review
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
When I read Samira Parish’s debut novel, HOW TO SUVIVE A SCANDAL, I had just finished deep diving one author’s backlist, and an early series by a second author. So as soon as I finished reading HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL, I was okay this was a solid debut, I can see the potential of being a great writer. Now let me read her next book. Only to remember that this was a debut and there’s no backlist to deep dive. Anyways, that’s the backstory to say that Samira Parrish has brought her writing to the next level with HOW TO DECEIVE A DUKE, and she’s added some heat to her writing.
So many things to love about our heroine, Fiona in this second chance romance. She’s a pants wearing chemist. She knows what she wants for her future - to be able to have her own home and not be dependent on the benevolence of anyone. She’s fiercely independent, and very reluctant to seek help. Especially if the help is from our hero, Edward, Duke of Wildeforde.
On the other hand, not the biggest fan of Ned. He’s very self-sacrificing. In the years since his father’s death, he has been holding himself to the highest standards, so that there can be no scandals. Five years ago, he was about to throw caution to the wind, but he broke things off with Fiona (WITHOUT TELLING HER THE REASON), when he thought she might not be able to withstand the ton. His desire to stay scandal free, and sometimes his all knowing ways makes it hard to like him. Yet, we know that this heart is in the right place, so while it’s not easy to forgive him, it’s a possibility.
Fiona’s dad is horrible, horrible person. Working with the instigator. Stealing her matches, and trying to sell them himself. Then using her idea for treason. Edward’s mom is also horrible. Then we have the return of the mean girl character.
Other things not to like: the scandal surrounding Edward’s dad’s death. It’s never outrightly mentioned, but the one scene where it was mentioned that the dad was “depraved” doesn’t really sit well. It seems to be queer coded.
Regarding the heat: Parish added it to the book. I think she received feedback about her first book lacking heat/being closed door and took it to heart. (Seriously we had some great makeout sessions in the first book, and then it was closed door from there). The sex scenes really work into the book and you feel the chemistry between Fiona and Edward.
Content Notes: abandonment, off-page suicide, death of parent, awful parents, imprisonment, fire
Thank you Forever (the publisher) for my gifted copy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Bullying, Blood, Classism, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
Minor: Body shaming, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Suicide
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