A review by brownikins
The Duke Starts a Scandal by Sophie Jordan

emotional fast-paced

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

2.0

I liked that this was a quick, but deep read. It tackled some serious topics that I think are not explored enough in historical romance. I liked learning about the personal histories of both the Duke and Susanna, and I thought these histories gave them so much in common and so much ground that could (and should) have been explored. I have read other books from Sophie Jordan and found them to be fun, lighthearted, and emotional but I found this title to be lacking. The character development was minimal, beyond the short exploration of the two main character's "checkered" pasts, and that made it hard to believe in or understand the relationship between the Duke and Susanna. The relationship between the two seemed very shallow, considering the ways in which they should be able to connect.