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A review by romanticread
The Duke Wins a Bride by Nina Jarrett
4.0
Overall I liked The Duke Wins a Bride. The characters are interesting, with Philip’s issue with his dead wife and Annabel’s family dynamic. (I’m assuming that there will be more of Annabel’s brother – or at least I hope so. He’s got the potential for a story of his own and I’d love to see more of what he’s been through.) They struggle with their baggage complicating their relationship as they work to get to know each other better. Just when it feels like they are taking steps forward, miscommunication or a past hurt rears its head and they lose a little ground.
Which means, of course, there is a lot of angst in this book. I, and Philip, love how spunky Annabel is. She’s willing to take chances and fight for what she wants. But she’s also very young and struggles with moments of self doubt thanks to her father and brother. It leads to a lot of ups and downs – literally one chapter will end with her feelings of optimism and the next will start with doubts. (There are also a few times when she seems a bit … forward for a new, young bride in a historical romance. It leads to some quite steamy scenes but seems a little off for the time period.)
Philip also struggles, especially with how he views his relationship with women. His last wife’s actions have him second guessing a lot of his interactions with Annabel, creating more ups and downs for them individually and as a couple.
The Duke Wins a Bride won’t be for everyone but I enjoyed it. It’s got a good blend of spiciness and drama, with a satisfying HEA (and hopefully at least two follow up stories).
Heads up – the writing is a little flowery, which I think is a little more acceptable in historical romances than contemporary ones, but it is a bit heavy handed here and there. I don’t mind it but I know that it does bother some. Also, apparently but I don’t know enough to confirm, there are anachronisms but … again, don’t know enough so it didn’t bother me.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Which means, of course, there is a lot of angst in this book. I, and Philip, love how spunky Annabel is. She’s willing to take chances and fight for what she wants. But she’s also very young and struggles with moments of self doubt thanks to her father and brother. It leads to a lot of ups and downs – literally one chapter will end with her feelings of optimism and the next will start with doubts. (There are also a few times when she seems a bit … forward for a new, young bride in a historical romance. It leads to some quite steamy scenes but seems a little off for the time period.)
Philip also struggles, especially with how he views his relationship with women. His last wife’s actions have him second guessing a lot of his interactions with Annabel, creating more ups and downs for them individually and as a couple.
The Duke Wins a Bride won’t be for everyone but I enjoyed it. It’s got a good blend of spiciness and drama, with a satisfying HEA (and hopefully at least two follow up stories).
Heads up – the writing is a little flowery, which I think is a little more acceptable in historical romances than contemporary ones, but it is a bit heavy handed here and there. I don’t mind it but I know that it does bother some. Also, apparently but I don’t know enough to confirm, there are anachronisms but … again, don’t know enough so it didn’t bother me.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**