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justinejustreads 's review for:
Not That Duke
by Eloisa James
Silvester, Duke of Huntington is handsome, smart, and completely blind to the good that's in front of him. This is a great friends to lovers story with a man who makes many mistakes and a woman who raises the standards set for herself by society. Stella is a freckled, glasses wearing miss with red hair and too much wit. Silvester fancies himself in love with the season's diamond, Yasmine, but doesn't realise how shallow his feelings are until it's almost too late.
The good- The banter and genuine friendship between Stella and Silvester was strong. After Silvester apologises to Stella for insulting her, he comes to respect and admire and even lust after Stella really soon. Stella makes Silvester question his motives and be a better man. The intimate scenes were sensual and they had great chemistry together. The return of Merry from My American Duchess was also a highlight. I loved that book, and Merry is a wonderful side character.
The not so good- It takes Silvester far too long to realise his feelings for Yasmine were never love, but simple admiration and competition with his best friend Giles. By the time he realises he wants to marry Stella, his courtship of Yasmine has destroyed any chance Stella might believe he truly wants and could love her.
The abysmal- Silvester takes away Stella's choice to marry him, and while I can forgive that alphahole behaviour, he doesn't manage to convince Stella of her value after they are married. She Still believes she is second fiddle to Yasmine and it's heartbreaking. Silvester bumbles along and hurts his wife by giving too much attention to Yasmine in front of the ton, and the grovel that follows is completely insufficient for me. He deserves to be out in the cold a bit longer or to be forced to show his love with action and not just his charming words.
Overall I enjoyed reading this one but the last quarter of the book was frustrating and the ending disappointed me. I'm hoping James writes a story for Blanche soon because her character definitely intrigues me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy.
The good- The banter and genuine friendship between Stella and Silvester was strong. After Silvester apologises to Stella for insulting her, he comes to respect and admire and even lust after Stella really soon. Stella makes Silvester question his motives and be a better man. The intimate scenes were sensual and they had great chemistry together. The return of Merry from My American Duchess was also a highlight. I loved that book, and Merry is a wonderful side character.
The not so good- It takes Silvester far too long to realise his feelings for Yasmine were never love, but simple admiration and competition with his best friend Giles. By the time he realises he wants to marry Stella, his courtship of Yasmine has destroyed any chance Stella might believe he truly wants and could love her.
The abysmal- Silvester takes away Stella's choice to marry him, and while I can forgive that alphahole behaviour, he doesn't manage to convince Stella of her value after they are married. She Still believes she is second fiddle to Yasmine and it's heartbreaking. Silvester bumbles along and hurts his wife by giving too much attention to Yasmine in front of the ton, and the grovel that follows is completely insufficient for me. He deserves to be out in the cold a bit longer or to be forced to show his love with action and not just his charming words.
Overall I enjoyed reading this one but the last quarter of the book was frustrating and the ending disappointed me. I'm hoping James writes a story for Blanche soon because her character definitely intrigues me.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy.