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A review by alisonb
The Portrait of a Duchess by Scarlett Peckham
2.0
This book and I are not a match. I am all for independent women, but when that independence-or "freedom"-comes at the cost of being kind, compassionate, and willing to compromise in a loving way, then I am going to struggle to understand the character unless I see growth and change. While Cornelia did make an about face, there really was no growth; her and Rafe both seemed to not have evolved much-as shown in the present day and flashback scenes from decades before.
I will not spoil some of the relationship aspects of the novel, but I wish I had had a heads up. There was an element to the story that bordered more on something I would find in erotica, and it didn't fit the tone that was being set up for this book and subgenre. I just want to know what I am getting into before it pops up since it makes a big difference in how I view the romantic arc-which felt non-existent in this book.
I don't like to give a book such a low rating because I can appreciate that someone created this from their own heart and labored to bring it into the world. When giving such a rating I do so not out of a lack of appreciation for the author but as an honest communication of how I experienced the book from my unique perspective. This book may be highly enjoyable for another person, and I always recommend that you take a low-or high-rating with a grain of salt.
1.5 ✨'s
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I will not spoil some of the relationship aspects of the novel, but I wish I had had a heads up. There was an element to the story that bordered more on something I would find in erotica, and it didn't fit the tone that was being set up for this book and subgenre. I just want to know what I am getting into before it pops up since it makes a big difference in how I view the romantic arc-which felt non-existent in this book.
I don't like to give a book such a low rating because I can appreciate that someone created this from their own heart and labored to bring it into the world. When giving such a rating I do so not out of a lack of appreciation for the author but as an honest communication of how I experienced the book from my unique perspective. This book may be highly enjoyable for another person, and I always recommend that you take a low-or high-rating with a grain of salt.
1.5 ✨'s
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.