guiltlesspleasures's review
I got to 59% and decided this wasn’t for me. I tried—even took a 16-day break and then conscientiously picked it up again—but while the writing was good, the characterization was two-dimensional, the plot faintly ridiculous and the spice lackluster.
However, it did bring us possibly the world’s greatest euphemism for a clitoris: “nubbin of pure sensation”
However, it did bring us possibly the world’s greatest euphemism for a clitoris: “nubbin of pure sensation”
domid73's review
4.0
Drama
This follows Heiress Henrietta Monfort. She is being blackmailed by her cousin who is keeping a secret about her birth. Afraid that her family will disown her due to this she agrees to an engagement to him. At her engagement ball one dance between Hettie and Lord Findley ignites a new spark. A new plan is made to thwart Hettie from marrying her cousin. The new plan is to marry Findley so that this secret doesn’t mess up her marriage chances. There is a lot of scandal, secrets, and not to mention an annoying mother in law that keeps your attention throughout the book. Overall 4/5 stars
This follows Heiress Henrietta Monfort. She is being blackmailed by her cousin who is keeping a secret about her birth. Afraid that her family will disown her due to this she agrees to an engagement to him. At her engagement ball one dance between Hettie and Lord Findley ignites a new spark. A new plan is made to thwart Hettie from marrying her cousin. The new plan is to marry Findley so that this secret doesn’t mess up her marriage chances. There is a lot of scandal, secrets, and not to mention an annoying mother in law that keeps your attention throughout the book. Overall 4/5 stars
rainelle_barrett's review
5.0
One Season with the Duke. I am such a believer of true love. That’s why I loved reading this book. I’m sure you have read in the past my feelings about books that reads like a movie. How that story has the ability to take my imagination and run away with it until I’m completely spent after reading the book to the last word.
Readers this book falls under that category. I felt that the writing was phenomenal from how the writing reaches to the depth of loyalty forgiveness and love. I was very impressed from the fact that the book was getting better page after page. The writing is on point. I felt that the dialogue between the characters is very clear and real to the emotions of the of the story.
Is this because the story has a terrific plot? My answer is yes. Readers the plot was amazing to follow by. The characters uses the logic of the plot to help them accomplish their goals. Both characters, Hettie and Finn were perfect for the story.
Their goals, interesting as they are moved In tandem with the plot. Finn sought to rescue his best friend from a fate that truly was disastrous for Hettie and possibly those around her. Hettie, who felt that the walls are closing in around her sought no way out of this one hell of nightmare that she’s living. Then one day that dear childhood friend reappeared and the romance began. Well up until mom inserts her opinion and boy can she pack a punch.
Can I say “Ice Queen Dowager Duchess?” I believe that they should create a title for mothers like them. This Dowager has the ability to stare you down with cold dead eyes, as well as slap you in the face with a ice cold remark that leaves you frozen from the shock of her words. Threats of sending her to the Dowager house does not phase this woman. I say put her in a boat and push her out to sea.
Hopefully she will find her own little island where she can command locals to her heart contents. Let’s not even begin with the many outbursts from cousin Philip. I can only say read the book. For me this story was an amazing page turner that has great entertainment from every level that a romance story can take you. There are many moments that feels so real for the reader.
From the descriptive details of how Finn rubs his fingers along Hettie’s cheek or how he embraces her with his strong sensual kisses. Many of those times are during some explicit passionate caressing and fondling between the couple. And let me say that a number of these intimate moments leads to a whole lot of panting. I’m just saying. Stop me before I get carried away.
I loved Finn and Hettie the most. My reasoning is that they both fought battles that continuously challenged them. Separately the two applied tactics to face those challenges head on and later used those tactics as a force of one together. I definitely loved how the two characters Finn and Hettie were able to explore their desire for one another so freely without any limits. This lead me to believe that their story is a candidly sweet and an incredibly romantic love story.
I give this story two snaps and a, “Harold get me a pistol. I have a unwanted houseguest on my property.” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Readers this book falls under that category. I felt that the writing was phenomenal from how the writing reaches to the depth of loyalty forgiveness and love. I was very impressed from the fact that the book was getting better page after page. The writing is on point. I felt that the dialogue between the characters is very clear and real to the emotions of the of the story.
Is this because the story has a terrific plot? My answer is yes. Readers the plot was amazing to follow by. The characters uses the logic of the plot to help them accomplish their goals. Both characters, Hettie and Finn were perfect for the story.
Their goals, interesting as they are moved In tandem with the plot. Finn sought to rescue his best friend from a fate that truly was disastrous for Hettie and possibly those around her. Hettie, who felt that the walls are closing in around her sought no way out of this one hell of nightmare that she’s living. Then one day that dear childhood friend reappeared and the romance began. Well up until mom inserts her opinion and boy can she pack a punch.
Can I say “Ice Queen Dowager Duchess?” I believe that they should create a title for mothers like them. This Dowager has the ability to stare you down with cold dead eyes, as well as slap you in the face with a ice cold remark that leaves you frozen from the shock of her words. Threats of sending her to the Dowager house does not phase this woman. I say put her in a boat and push her out to sea.
Hopefully she will find her own little island where she can command locals to her heart contents. Let’s not even begin with the many outbursts from cousin Philip. I can only say read the book. For me this story was an amazing page turner that has great entertainment from every level that a romance story can take you. There are many moments that feels so real for the reader.
From the descriptive details of how Finn rubs his fingers along Hettie’s cheek or how he embraces her with his strong sensual kisses. Many of those times are during some explicit passionate caressing and fondling between the couple. And let me say that a number of these intimate moments leads to a whole lot of panting. I’m just saying. Stop me before I get carried away.
I loved Finn and Hettie the most. My reasoning is that they both fought battles that continuously challenged them. Separately the two applied tactics to face those challenges head on and later used those tactics as a force of one together. I definitely loved how the two characters Finn and Hettie were able to explore their desire for one another so freely without any limits. This lead me to believe that their story is a candidly sweet and an incredibly romantic love story.
I give this story two snaps and a, “Harold get me a pistol. I have a unwanted houseguest on my property.” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
alisonb's review
4.0
Lord Findley (Finn) has been carrying a torch for his friend Henrietta Monfort (Hettie) for years. When he needs to marry in order to restore wealth to his dukedom, and Hettie needs rescuing from a blackmailing relative, the two enter into a marriage of convenience that burns bright from the beginning. But, their honeymoon period is brought to an abrupt halt when a large secret is revealed and both Finn and Hettie's affections and commitment are tested. Will they be able to find their way back to one another or was their relationship doomed from the beginning?
The first quarter of this story felt as if it encompassed an entire romance plot and I was left wondering how I was going to connect with a romance that moved at the speed of light. But, I was pleasantly surprised as the story progressed and du Lac tested Finn and Hettie in different ways, slowly increasing the strength of their love through trials and tribulations as well as small moments of connection.
There were two plot threads at work in this story and they both were compelling and strong in creating physical and emotional conflict. At times I found myself wondering why a character did or did not react the way I thought they should, and the author did a seamless job of showing each characters' imperfections and ultimately, their growth.
I also must add that Hettie was an absolute delight. She was a wonderful character and I truly enjoyed her quiet strength.
I believe this might be du Lac's debut novel and I thought she did a brilliant job. I look forward to reading their future works and highly recommend that you pick this book up and give it a read if you enjoy historical romance with a blend of Scotland and England, a friends to lovers relationship, and a marriage of convenience trope.
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
The first quarter of this story felt as if it encompassed an entire romance plot and I was left wondering how I was going to connect with a romance that moved at the speed of light. But, I was pleasantly surprised as the story progressed and du Lac tested Finn and Hettie in different ways, slowly increasing the strength of their love through trials and tribulations as well as small moments of connection.
There were two plot threads at work in this story and they both were compelling and strong in creating physical and emotional conflict. At times I found myself wondering why a character did or did not react the way I thought they should, and the author did a seamless job of showing each characters' imperfections and ultimately, their growth.
I also must add that Hettie was an absolute delight. She was a wonderful character and I truly enjoyed her quiet strength.
I believe this might be du Lac's debut novel and I thought she did a brilliant job. I look forward to reading their future works and highly recommend that you pick this book up and give it a read if you enjoy historical romance with a blend of Scotland and England, a friends to lovers relationship, and a marriage of convenience trope.
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
mrskingisreading's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bitterlina's review
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
shannanh's review
4.0
Hettie is a woman of mixed race, and is being blackmailed by her cousin, who is attempting to force her to marry him. All hope seems lost for Hattie, until Lord Findley comes to her rescue by marrying her. Once that happens, another issue surfaces that test their commitment to each other.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Hettie and Finn, as well as the flow and pacing of this story. The mother in law irked me several times throughout the story. This was my first book from this author, and I really enjoyed it and will be reading more from this author.
I received a copy of the book via the publisher through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Hettie and Finn, as well as the flow and pacing of this story. The mother in law irked me several times throughout the story. This was my first book from this author, and I really enjoyed it and will be reading more from this author.
I received a copy of the book via the publisher through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
sebrittainclark's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
When Hettie is blackmailed by her cousin she doesn't see any choice expect to marry him, until Finn, a Scottish Duke, offers her an alternative. Now she's married a man she knew as a child and together they must figure out if they can work together to create a life for themselves.
I found some of the communication issues a little frustrating, but overall it was a fun read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found some of the communication issues a little frustrating, but overall it was a fun read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
happilyruined's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25