bookwife's review against another edition
2.0
I am not a fan of this plot line. I do not like deception.
a_verthandi's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, I quite liked most of this one, enough to sit in a chair and basically read it straight through on vacation this year.
Granted, it was a nice recliner.
Granted, it was a nice recliner.
nd2712's review against another edition
4.0
Book #4 of 25 in my 'Read Your Historical Romances, Dammit' Challenge
Spice Rating: 3 / 5 (wow this Duke's got a thing for boobs)
I can't really find anything to fault with this book. I had a great time reading it, it was pacy and fun with enough sexiness to keep you going that didn't border on porn. Both Charlene and James were well thought-out characters and I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the difficult topics - there's active discussion about the slave trade, atrocities relating to cocoa farming and the treatment of vulnerable women in amongst the glamour. I think because I wasn't fully swept away / had a big emotional reaction is why I won't give it five stars, but quickly going to the topic of the inevitable list. I also loved Lenora Bell's writing style, so I've added about six of her books to my ever-growing TBR pile.
Spice Rating: 3 / 5 (wow this Duke's got a thing for boobs)
I can't really find anything to fault with this book. I had a great time reading it, it was pacy and fun with enough sexiness to keep you going that didn't border on porn. Both Charlene and James were well thought-out characters and I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the difficult topics - there's active discussion about the slave trade, atrocities relating to cocoa farming and the treatment of vulnerable women in amongst the glamour. I think because I wasn't fully swept away / had a big emotional reaction is why I won't give it five stars, but quickly going to the topic of the inevitable list. I also loved Lenora Bell's writing style, so I've added about six of her books to my ever-growing TBR pile.
halleymalley1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lemen2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
readingwithemmett's review against another edition
4.0
Plot:
In How the Duke Was Won, Charlene is hired to pretend to be her half-sister, Lady Dorothea, to win the Duke of Harland's hand in marriage. I enjoyed the plot of this one. It reminded me a little of a reality dating show in how there were four girls competing for Jame's hand in marriage.
Brief Thoughts:
I liked this book a lot. It had a slow start, but once I was invested into the story, I didn't want to put it down.
Characters:
Charlene is a very outspoken character. She doesn't care about what is proper and voices her opinion when she feels someone has been wrongfully treated. James keeps everyone at arms length because he doesn't want to fall in love and lose them. I enjoyed both characters and their growth throughout the story.
Likes:
- The Issues: This book focuses a lot on gender and racial discrimination, women's rights, and sexual assault. I loved that the author included all of these and had Charlene have such a strong opinion about them.
- The Spice: I liked the spice in this book. I loved how we got little teases here and there before it finally let up to it.
- The Banter: Who doesn't love good banter in books?
Dislikes:
- Slow Start: It took me about 40% or so to get fully invested into the book, but once I was, I didn't want to put it down.
Recommendation:
I do recommend this book if you are looking for a historical romance with an opinionated female lead.
In How the Duke Was Won, Charlene is hired to pretend to be her half-sister, Lady Dorothea, to win the Duke of Harland's hand in marriage. I enjoyed the plot of this one. It reminded me a little of a reality dating show in how there were four girls competing for Jame's hand in marriage.
Brief Thoughts:
I liked this book a lot. It had a slow start, but once I was invested into the story, I didn't want to put it down.
Characters:
Charlene is a very outspoken character. She doesn't care about what is proper and voices her opinion when she feels someone has been wrongfully treated. James keeps everyone at arms length because he doesn't want to fall in love and lose them. I enjoyed both characters and their growth throughout the story.
Likes:
- The Issues: This book focuses a lot on gender and racial discrimination, women's rights, and sexual assault. I loved that the author included all of these and had Charlene have such a strong opinion about them.
- The Spice: I liked the spice in this book. I loved how we got little teases here and there before it finally let up to it.
- The Banter: Who doesn't love good banter in books?
Dislikes:
- Slow Start: It took me about 40% or so to get fully invested into the book, but once I was, I didn't want to put it down.
Recommendation:
I do recommend this book if you are looking for a historical romance with an opinionated female lead.
iggyebab's review against another edition
1.0
Too much of a traditional bodice ripper for me. Lots of glistening and being forced to marry, and running away. The non traditional elements felt forced and out of place. I couldn’t get a grasp on any of the characters. Just not for me.
planetarypan's review against another edition
4.0
The plot was mildly ridiculous, but the characters more than made up for it. You really rooted for them.