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A review by danglebus
The Devious Husband by Catharina Maura
3.0
⭐ 3-3.5
Let me preface this by saying that The Windsor series is one of the first series I started reading when I got into this genre and I have immense love and respect for this series as one of the best "Billionaire/Arranged Marriage" tropes out there. I have watched all of the Windsor boys find their match and loved them all immensely, but I feel a little let down by the way the family story wraps up.
Things I loved --
⭐️ I loved the drama in this story so much. Usually the big third act twist is something far-fetched (and it kind of was) but the true angst in this story comes not from the catalyst, but from the response after. Xavier and Sierra trying to manage what is essentially is a wonderful change from the typical trope and I loved how it was handled.
⭐️ Xavier's entire character study was just *chef's kiss*. His start, his growth, his grand gestures, his CONSISTENCY was just perfect. I loved him. I used to think nothing could be better than a Windsor man but apparently Kingstons are the true goal.
⭐️ The inclusion of the families felt much more purposeful in this story and was a great way to involve them in what is essentially a "series finale" of books.
⭐️ The last "act" of this book is one of my faves in the entire Windsor universe.
Things that fell flat --
⭐️ There is nearly twenty years of shared history between these two main characters and yet we don't see ANY of it until the end, when we get a semi-rushed explanation of past events. I know we kind of saw their fued throughout the entire series, but I wanted more! So much build up turned into just a little whimper when it came time for their story.
⭐️ Whereas Xavier SHINED in his character, Sierra felt so flat. We spend the entire Windsor series seeing this badass woman take charge and kick butt, and then in her book, she is FULL of insecurities. Which would be fine, if we knew WHY. We get snippets of "this is how she is" in regards to explaining it, but no concrete reasons, so she feels insecure for plot's sake instead of for a reason.
⭐️ In this same vein, Xavier CONSTANTLY shows her how he feels, everyone around her says "look at what he does, not what he says", and yet she still second guesses everything. Why?
⭐️ Miscommunication can be done well, but in this story, it just felt forced. You are telling me these two literally ALWAYS think they don't like each other, despite EVERYONE telling them otherwise? I maybe get it for Xavier, as he feels like he is an interloper in this world, but Sierra makes no sense to be insecure.
⭐️ I think this is projection/my own hang up honestly, so take this with a grain of salt, but I don't understand the fixation on
If I read this as a standalone, I would probably give it four stars, but in comparison to the entire Windsor series, this was a solid 3/3.5. I think this series peaked for sure right in the middle with the Broken Vows and then you could tell we were getting to the end and running out of steam.
Will I check out Valeria and Enzo's story though? Of course, duh. You know I am a sucker for Catharina Maura. I can't stay away!
Let me preface this by saying that The Windsor series is one of the first series I started reading when I got into this genre and I have immense love and respect for this series as one of the best "Billionaire/Arranged Marriage" tropes out there. I have watched all of the Windsor boys find their match and loved them all immensely, but I feel a little let down by the way the family story wraps up.
Things I loved --
⭐️ I loved the drama in this story so much. Usually the big third act twist is something far-fetched (and it kind of was) but the true angst in this story comes not from the catalyst, but from the response after. Xavier and Sierra trying to manage what is essentially
Spoiler
PTSD and Depression⭐️ Xavier's entire character study was just *chef's kiss*. His start, his growth, his grand gestures, his CONSISTENCY was just perfect. I loved him. I used to think nothing could be better than a Windsor man but apparently Kingstons are the true goal.
⭐️ The inclusion of the families felt much more purposeful in this story and was a great way to involve them in what is essentially a "series finale" of books.
⭐️ The last "act" of this book is one of my faves in the entire Windsor universe.
Spoiler
The Story of Us and the ensuing grovel? omg yes.Things that fell flat --
⭐️ There is nearly twenty years of shared history between these two main characters and yet we don't see ANY of it until the end, when we get a semi-rushed explanation of past events. I know we kind of saw their fued throughout the entire series, but I wanted more! So much build up turned into just a little whimper when it came time for their story.
⭐️ Whereas Xavier SHINED in his character, Sierra felt so flat. We spend the entire Windsor series seeing this badass woman take charge and kick butt, and then in her book, she is FULL of insecurities. Which would be fine, if we knew WHY. We get snippets of "this is how she is" in regards to explaining it, but no concrete reasons, so she feels insecure for plot's sake instead of for a reason.
⭐️ In this same vein, Xavier CONSTANTLY shows her how he feels, everyone around her says "look at what he does, not what he says", and yet she still second guesses everything. Why?
⭐️ Miscommunication can be done well, but in this story, it just felt forced. You are telling me these two literally ALWAYS think they don't like each other, despite EVERYONE telling them otherwise? I maybe get it for Xavier, as he feels like he is an interloper in this world, but Sierra makes no sense to be insecure.
⭐️ I think this is projection/my own hang up honestly, so take this with a grain of salt, but I don't understand the fixation on
Spoiler
"Sierra is NO LONGER a Winsdor, she is a Kingston, get it right!" etc etc. Like, she is forever a Windsor too. She did not become a whole new person just because she changed her name and it felt really forced that she kept being like, belittled or made to feel like she wasn't a Windsor anymore just because she got married. I def get the love being like, "oh, Mrs. Kingston etc. when someone gets married and they are excited for marrying their spouse/a new life together, but the idea that she is no longer herself or part of her blood family was really grating and made me feel weird.If I read this as a standalone, I would probably give it four stars, but in comparison to the entire Windsor series, this was a solid 3/3.5. I think this series peaked for sure right in the middle with the Broken Vows and then you could tell we were getting to the end and running out of steam.
Will I check out Valeria and Enzo's story though? Of course, duh. You know I am a sucker for Catharina Maura. I can't stay away!