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mrsbooknerd's review
3.0
I am struggling so much with this review because I feel like I'm allowing myself to compare 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' with other Eloisa James novels, and it's lowering my rating. Based on this book, I would award a three-star review because it was a good example of a regency-romance. Personally, it just wasn't the excellent regency novel that I expect when I read an Eloisa James. Good for the genre, poor for the author.
The Regency Romance genre is so flooded and while many of them are nice examples, it is a fairly safe genre, so authors like Eloisa James and Julia Quinn, who offer flair and signature writing styles, excite me. But I feel that the last few Eloisa James novels have lacked that flair and instead have become that safe and expected style of so many others out there.
This novel was crammed full of past characters, like their presence was good enough to support the whole book. But I would have preferred more emotion or more humour or more plot to focus on. I haven't read all of the Desperate Duchess books so I didn't have a clue about them or their stories, and really, why would I go back to read them now that they've been detailed in this book? Why can't Ward and Eugenia have a story to themselves without being weighed down by the entrance of random other characters?
Put it this way, I still remember the plot of 'When Beauty Tamed the Beast' and I still recommend it, but in a few weeks if someone asks me about this novel, I'll struggle to recall anything. The most memorable part was the dining room interlude *fans self*.
My favourite aspect of this whole novel was Ward, because although he was a bit of an arse at the end of the novel, his intentions were good and he was super-dooper hot. I loved how unapologetic he was with his attraction to Eugenia. I loved that he genuinely fought for, and cared for, his siblings. The chemistry between Ward and Eugenia was so palpable and flammable and was really wonderful.
Their whole romance though was just kind of undramatic generally, as was their reconciliation. Nothing popped or wowed me really. Eugenia happily grieved for her dead husband for seven years, but didn't fight for Ward when he tried to push her away. No, she donned her proper lady outfit and politely waved him off. I just wanted her to scream and shout and swear at him. At the start, she was swearing like a sailor, and taught Lizzie to do the same. Yet it was never mentioned again. I wanted her to leave the room and scream and curse and swear so that he overheard and knew that she was angry. But he kicked her out, she left, they got back together. No drama or hassle or comedy or tears.
Yes, this was a 'good' regency romance, and totally worth reading for the sparks between Ward and Eugenia, but it wasn't *kisses fingertips dramatically*.
The Regency Romance genre is so flooded and while many of them are nice examples, it is a fairly safe genre, so authors like Eloisa James and Julia Quinn, who offer flair and signature writing styles, excite me. But I feel that the last few Eloisa James novels have lacked that flair and instead have become that safe and expected style of so many others out there.
This novel was crammed full of past characters, like their presence was good enough to support the whole book. But I would have preferred more emotion or more humour or more plot to focus on. I haven't read all of the Desperate Duchess books so I didn't have a clue about them or their stories, and really, why would I go back to read them now that they've been detailed in this book? Why can't Ward and Eugenia have a story to themselves without being weighed down by the entrance of random other characters?
Put it this way, I still remember the plot of 'When Beauty Tamed the Beast' and I still recommend it, but in a few weeks if someone asks me about this novel, I'll struggle to recall anything. The most memorable part was the dining room interlude *fans self*.
My favourite aspect of this whole novel was Ward, because although he was a bit of an arse at the end of the novel, his intentions were good and he was super-dooper hot. I loved how unapologetic he was with his attraction to Eugenia. I loved that he genuinely fought for, and cared for, his siblings. The chemistry between Ward and Eugenia was so palpable and flammable and was really wonderful.
Their whole romance though was just kind of undramatic generally, as was their reconciliation. Nothing popped or wowed me really. Eugenia happily grieved for her dead husband for seven years, but didn't fight for Ward when he tried to push her away. No, she donned her proper lady outfit and politely waved him off. I just wanted her to scream and shout and swear at him. At the start, she was swearing like a sailor, and taught Lizzie to do the same. Yet it was never mentioned again. I wanted her to leave the room and scream and curse and swear so that he overheard and knew that she was angry. But he kicked her out, she left, they got back together. No drama or hassle or comedy or tears.
Yes, this was a 'good' regency romance, and totally worth reading for the sparks between Ward and Eugenia, but it wasn't *kisses fingertips dramatically*.
wyvernfriend's review
3.0
I have to admire Eugenia, a widow who creates a job for herself and a life and doesn't give up but she's getting restless and looking for something new, all of society wants her governesses. Edward Reeve wants one too and is reluctant to take no for an answer. His orphaned half-siblings are coping with their parents' deaths in different ways and their grandmother is trying to get them into her custody as Ward is illegitimate. He needs to make the children appear to be in the right place when they're with him.
Eugenia needs to deal with her life and find more from life, she needs to move on from her past but respect it. Respect her dead husband but also respect herself.
Entertaining and with a couple who needed to talk so much more.
Eugenia needs to deal with her life and find more from life, she needs to move on from her past but respect it. Respect her dead husband but also respect herself.
Entertaining and with a couple who needed to talk so much more.
saynabreadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Another great book by Eloisa
Loved Eugina and Ward:)
This book was AMAZING!
Loved Eugina and Ward:)
This book was AMAZING!
carriejadud's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
3.75
loyaultemelie's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Rating this book is difficult because the highs were so high and the lows weren't that low - with one exception. That being said, this rivals When Beauty Tamed the Beast for my favorite Eloisa James novel and honestly is more enjoyable than my least favorite Sarah MacLean novel (which is a massive, massive compliment).
Why is this? Well one major reason - the characters feel in love. As much as I love romance novels, I love some steamy chemistry, I do in fact read romance novels partially for the erotic scenes - I'm not afraid of saying it; I do struggle sometimes with the idea that characters are in love, and not just in lust. Sometimes a hero will declare to a heroine that he'd like to spend the rest of his life with her, and he loves her personality, and I'm just like... have you guys spent any real non-sexual time together? Maybe it's because the point of Eugenia's various facets was the main point of tension, but I really felt like Eugenia and Ward enjoyed each other's company, platonically, romantically, and, of course, sexually. Like, I really, really believed that.
Which is why, when Ward rejected Eugenia (as romance heroes are tend to do) I was furious. Maybe it just hit too close to home, but I found Ward's actions more reprehensible than most romantic leads. Part of it is I think the perspective focus - the pivotal scenes of emotion and break are all from Eugenia's point of view, so we never feel Ward's anguish in the moment. But part of it is, I'm sorry, tellingyour lover that "it was just a romp but I need a classy woman to raise my orphaned half-siblings" is a hell of a move. Frankly, if I were Eugenia I wouldn't have accepted him back. Simply not enough groveling. Eugenia should have simply fallen into domestic bliss with Susan (my beloved). So, the last few chapters were a bit of a dud for me in that way. I just can't believe the conflict resolved that quickly, that she forgave him so quickly. Boo, boo!
But frankly, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Ward and Eugenia, and between them and Lizzie and Otis. And yes, I would die and kill for these kids - and Jarvis took, of course. Really, wonderfully enjoyable - I forgive Ward your dumbassery. Looking forward to the next read of James'.
Why is this? Well one major reason - the characters feel in love. As much as I love romance novels, I love some steamy chemistry, I do in fact read romance novels partially for the erotic scenes - I'm not afraid of saying it; I do struggle sometimes with the idea that characters are in love, and not just in lust. Sometimes a hero will declare to a heroine that he'd like to spend the rest of his life with her, and he loves her personality, and I'm just like... have you guys spent any real non-sexual time together? Maybe it's because the point of Eugenia's various facets was the main point of tension, but I really felt like Eugenia and Ward enjoyed each other's company, platonically, romantically, and, of course, sexually. Like, I really, really believed that.
Which is why, when Ward rejected Eugenia (as romance heroes are tend to do) I was furious. Maybe it just hit too close to home, but I found Ward's actions more reprehensible than most romantic leads. Part of it is I think the perspective focus - the pivotal scenes of emotion and break are all from Eugenia's point of view, so we never feel Ward's anguish in the moment. But part of it is, I'm sorry, telling
But frankly, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamic between Ward and Eugenia, and between them and Lizzie and Otis. And yes, I would die and kill for these kids - and Jarvis took, of course. Really, wonderfully enjoyable - I forgive Ward your dumbassery. Looking forward to the next read of James'.
freckleduck's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like the book more but I just found Eugenia to be too easily swayed. She was supposed to have a backbone and yet one kiss and she was just fawning over Ward. Although I do like James’ writing this one just wasn’t my favorite.
zoe_m's review against another edition
2.0
This book has some issues. It's a shame because I respect Eloisa James as a writer, plus the story has its moments.
For example, she's created these two marvelously eccentric children. (And a pet rat.) It's so easy to fall in love with these kids:
""I hope to return tomorrow with a new governess.'
"'Lumpy was good-hearted,' Lizzie said, as if she were discussing a newly deceased acquaintance. 'It's just that she had a tendency to overlook the big things for the small ones... She was very upset by Otis's betting scheme, whereas she might have seen it as an example of ingenuity, or even resourcefulness.'
"'Miss Lumley considered it an ethical lapse.'
"'That's the small thing. She could have looked at the bigger part of it, and seen that Otis is afraid and that's why he's hoarding money under his mattress.'"
Then there's the moment when the cook--friends with the recently and unhappily departed heroine--sends the hero dry chicken for his supper. And burnt cake.
The main problems stem from a saggy middle and a "blooming idiot" of a hero.
Let's start with the saggy middle.
First and foremost, this is a story that was stretched too thin. It could have easily lost 50 to 100 pages and been the better for it. I have a feeling this was caused by an effort to reach a minimum word count. This is understandable, if lamentable.
The dip in suspense begins around p. 230. A lot of the conflict Eugenia has been dealing with is internal. She's getting over the fear of her reputation and she is still adamant about not marrying the hero, so the fear of losing power over her business hasn't set in yet. They've just had sex. She's getting along great with the kids and the staff. All that looms is the custody battle, which is still a ways off.
Solution: I liked the progression of her letting go of Andrew and her previous marriage. It's done in beautiful, poignant stages. For example, on p. 144:
"'May I kiss you?' Ward asked.
"'Yes.' Her head turned to the perfect angle for his kiss, making it clear to him, but also to herself. She was going to do this, this...
"This step away from Andrew. This step away from death and into life. It was only a small step, but she knew it would change everything."
Another beat similar to this would have been great. Now, there's only so much emotion you can wring out of a reader for a dead character when all they have is their loved ones' nostalgia. We are given very few memories and no flashbacks, which are the main ways writers connect us to characters important to the book but not present. More of these could have heightened the tension and provided fodder for this extra beat.
Or maybe either the mayor chain/clergyman drama could extend a bit longer to fill in this dip in the tension. Both were very short blips on the map that did their duty to illustrate the quirkiness of the kids and the challenges in raising them. But making them somehow pull double duty would have made for a tighter story.
Now let's turn our attention to the second problem: the willful and ridiculous blindness of the male protagonist. His main obstacle to marrying Eugenia is that he doesn't believe her to be nobility by birth. This is in spite of the fact that she explicitly tells him this is not the case... TWICE! I can (grudgingly) find it in my heart to forgive him of the first misinterpretation, but the second one was such a blatant case of delusion that I just couldn't swallow it.
Add to that the fact that, to win her back, he promises to not use her in his custody battle. This is a sound solution, except he turns around and does the exact opposite! Not only that, but he announces in front of the House of Lords that he intends to marry her, essentially pressuring her into accepting. When she walked out of the hall I thought she was pissed, and rightfully so! I was honestly confused how they would reach a happy ending with the number of pages remaining. When she wasn't angry I was a bit disappointed and it undermined the beautifully done conclusion with his crumbly little cake.
I don't have a solution for his idiocy other than to make it more a part of his character. Providing some other example of him sticking so hard to a set narrative only to be proven wrong--if cast in a sympathetic light--could perhaps make it more bearable.
Ultimately I would only recommend this book to avid Eloisa James fans. For those looking for a historical, family-oriented romance, I'd point them to the Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas.
For example, she's created these two marvelously eccentric children. (And a pet rat.) It's so easy to fall in love with these kids:
""I hope to return tomorrow with a new governess.'
"'Lumpy was good-hearted,' Lizzie said, as if she were discussing a newly deceased acquaintance. 'It's just that she had a tendency to overlook the big things for the small ones... She was very upset by Otis's betting scheme, whereas she might have seen it as an example of ingenuity, or even resourcefulness.'
"'Miss Lumley considered it an ethical lapse.'
"'That's the small thing. She could have looked at the bigger part of it, and seen that Otis is afraid and that's why he's hoarding money under his mattress.'"
Then there's the moment when the cook--friends with the recently and unhappily departed heroine--sends the hero dry chicken for his supper. And burnt cake.
The main problems stem from a saggy middle and a "blooming idiot" of a hero.
Let's start with the saggy middle.
First and foremost, this is a story that was stretched too thin. It could have easily lost 50 to 100 pages and been the better for it. I have a feeling this was caused by an effort to reach a minimum word count. This is understandable, if lamentable.
The dip in suspense begins around p. 230. A lot of the conflict Eugenia has been dealing with is internal. She's getting over the fear of her reputation and she is still adamant about not marrying the hero, so the fear of losing power over her business hasn't set in yet. They've just had sex. She's getting along great with the kids and the staff. All that looms is the custody battle, which is still a ways off.
Solution: I liked the progression of her letting go of Andrew and her previous marriage. It's done in beautiful, poignant stages. For example, on p. 144:
"'May I kiss you?' Ward asked.
"'Yes.' Her head turned to the perfect angle for his kiss, making it clear to him, but also to herself. She was going to do this, this...
"This step away from Andrew. This step away from death and into life. It was only a small step, but she knew it would change everything."
Another beat similar to this would have been great. Now, there's only so much emotion you can wring out of a reader for a dead character when all they have is their loved ones' nostalgia. We are given very few memories and no flashbacks, which are the main ways writers connect us to characters important to the book but not present. More of these could have heightened the tension and provided fodder for this extra beat.
Or maybe either the mayor chain/clergyman drama could extend a bit longer to fill in this dip in the tension. Both were very short blips on the map that did their duty to illustrate the quirkiness of the kids and the challenges in raising them. But making them somehow pull double duty would have made for a tighter story.
Now let's turn our attention to the second problem: the willful and ridiculous blindness of the male protagonist. His main obstacle to marrying Eugenia is that he doesn't believe her to be nobility by birth. This is in spite of the fact that she explicitly tells him this is not the case... TWICE! I can (grudgingly) find it in my heart to forgive him of the first misinterpretation, but the second one was such a blatant case of delusion that I just couldn't swallow it.
Add to that the fact that, to win her back, he promises to not use her in his custody battle. This is a sound solution, except he turns around and does the exact opposite! Not only that, but he announces in front of the House of Lords that he intends to marry her, essentially pressuring her into accepting. When she walked out of the hall I thought she was pissed, and rightfully so! I was honestly confused how they would reach a happy ending with the number of pages remaining. When she wasn't angry I was a bit disappointed and it undermined the beautifully done conclusion with his crumbly little cake.
I don't have a solution for his idiocy other than to make it more a part of his character. Providing some other example of him sticking so hard to a set narrative only to be proven wrong--if cast in a sympathetic light--could perhaps make it more bearable.
Ultimately I would only recommend this book to avid Eloisa James fans. For those looking for a historical, family-oriented romance, I'd point them to the Hathaway series by Lisa Kleypas.
ayooo6767's review against another edition
1.0
This entire series has been a major disappointment by one of my favorite authors of all time. The disgusting level of cheesiness and the astounding amount of similarity between this book and the last two is extremely annoying, especially since the plot wasn't very good anyway. I would highly recommend the original desperate duchesses series and the fairy tail series, but definitely not this one.
mollywetta's review against another edition
Loved. The conflict felt real, enjoyed the characters, and just the right amount of steamy. Also it made me want to eat a lot of cake.
jody_diou's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Widow with a nanny business, MMC is raising his orphaned Brother and sister.