A review by readingrainbowbright
The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James

2.0

This book was not for me. Let me start by saying, I've loved a lot of this author's other works, including the first few books in this series. However, this story included just about everything I hate in a romance novel. I'm giving it 2 stars purely for the author's writing and none for the characters or plot.

Spoiler

This book started out okay. It features the hero, James, and his friend Theodora. James's father (the duke) forces James into an engagement with Theodora, who was essentially raised as his sister because the duke has embezzled her dowry. But that's okay because they realize they've had feelings for each other for a while. But shortly after the marriage, Theodora learns what happened and tells James to leave. She never wants to see him again. AND HE DOES. He's gone for 7 years. He takes off and becomes a pirate and sleeps with other women, all while Theodora is back at home building the dukedom back up and turning herself into a fashion icon. Let me repeat, he's gone for SEVEN YEARS and sleeps with other women during this time. While she's working her tail off. It feels like they're apart for at least 60 percent of the story. Then, when she's ready to have him declared dead so she can move on, he returns and she forgives him after two days.

No thanks.