loriwaz's review against another edition
5.0
Superior. The character development is extraordinary and, more importantly, plausible. For the first third of the novel, one protagonist is totally unlikable and the other not much more. The plot offers interesting conflicts and better resolutions. It's a shame these characters aren't more present in the other novels of this generation of characters. The pathos, in the end, is quite cathartic. Highly recommend this one although it does ask of the reader.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
The Duke and the Lady in Red
4.5 Stars
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Rosalind Sharpe will do anything in her power to protect those she cares for even if it means targeting the notorious and ruthless Duke of Avendale. But when Avendale discovers Rose's deception, he demands recompense of a most scandalous sort - a week in his bed. Can Rose and her duke put aside their suspicions and mistrust to find happiness together?
It isn't often that a book makes me cry, but this story had me breaking out the Kleenex.
Rose and Avendale have excellent chemistry and the keeping secrets trope is, thankfully, disposed of quickly and with little to no unnecessary angst.
While the romance is engaging, it is Rose's other secret that is the true highlight of the book.
Despite the above, the story does have one or two issues. To begin with, it takes time for the plot points to develop and this makes the pacing slower at the start. Nevertheless, once the secrets begin unraveling, the book becomes a page-turner. In addition, Avendale's behavior in the first few chapters leaves much to be desired, and some readers may be put off by his less than savory actions. That said, I recommend persevering as the rest of the romance and the story is well worth it.
All in all, a wonderful book, and I also loved the Joseph Merrick reference (thank you Wikipedia).
4.5 Stars
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Rosalind Sharpe will do anything in her power to protect those she cares for even if it means targeting the notorious and ruthless Duke of Avendale. But when Avendale discovers Rose's deception, he demands recompense of a most scandalous sort - a week in his bed. Can Rose and her duke put aside their suspicions and mistrust to find happiness together?
It isn't often that a book makes me cry, but this story had me breaking out the Kleenex.
Rose and Avendale have excellent chemistry and the keeping secrets trope is, thankfully, disposed of quickly and with little to no unnecessary angst.
While the romance is engaging, it is Rose's other secret that is the true highlight of the book.
Spoiler
Heath's portrayal of Rose's profoundly disabled brother, Harry, is simply heartwrenching. The pain and suffering he endures in unfathomable, yet he remains a truly good and self-less person. Rose's love and loyalty for her damaged sibling and her willingness to sacrifice everything for him make her an incredible heroine. Likewise, Harry brings out the best in Avendale as well, and it is wonderful to see their male bonding and camaraderie flourish.Despite the above, the story does have one or two issues. To begin with, it takes time for the plot points to develop and this makes the pacing slower at the start. Nevertheless, once the secrets begin unraveling, the book becomes a page-turner. In addition, Avendale's behavior in the first few chapters leaves much to be desired, and some readers may be put off by his less than savory actions. That said, I recommend persevering as the rest of the romance and the story is well worth it.
All in all, a wonderful book, and I also loved the Joseph Merrick reference (thank you Wikipedia).
soiah's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tweedlebug's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Spoiler
Bruhhhhhhh. I know some of the reviews said this book made them sob but I was like "pftttt.. whatever" and boy do I feel stupid now. I finished this 2 days ago and needed time to gather my feelings and thoughts. My only regret was that I finished this first thing in the morning so I had to lay in bed sobbing and spent half the morning with a puffy face. I love the way Rose loves her brother and vice versa. And I love the way Avendale loved Rose and did not hesitate to change and wasn't ashamed to love her publicly. Rose was such a great heroine. She was so pragmatic and strong in the face of so many obstacles. Aside from the obvious swindle, she was wholeheartedly herself when she was with Avendale. And I'm so happy that she got her happily ever after because she deserves it so much. Gahhhh. I also adored Harry and the rest of the gang and was so heartbroken by the end of the book. Ugh. Whyyyyyy Lorraine, whyyyy do you hurt me so??bookspam's review
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
2.75
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for Fun /Read for Review (Audible /Avon)
Overall Rating : 4.50
Story Rating :4.50
Character Rating : 4.50
Audio Rating : 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: The mystery in The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath was compelling and the damn end made me cry.
Quick Thoughts: This was one of those stories that I would only trust in a few authors hands. The leading lady was not typical, especially for a historical. In the wrong hands she would have been down right unlikable or at least not a woman you would root for an HEA. Instead you not only love Rosalind but end up wanting to make sure that Avendale is worthy of HER! Avendale is swoon-worthy so don't get me wrong. He is every thing I want in a Historical Leading Man (yes I have different expectations depending on the type of leading man and period). In the end though it was his connection with Rosalind that makes him super worthy. Don't you love with the love story makes you go SWOOOOOOOOOOON? The mystery of why Rosalind is the way she is was the most compelling part of this story for me. It is worth reading and having that "oh my" moment without spoiling. It was compelling and felt authentic to the time.
Audio Thoughts:
Helen and James are a perfect example of how two narrators can work for an audiobook. They were both outstanding and balanced each other well. The pacing was steady, equal emotional output, and their voices fit these characters. I highly recommend this on audio!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating : 4.50
Story Rating :4.50
Character Rating : 4.50
Audio Rating : 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: The mystery in The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath was compelling and the damn end made me cry.
Quick Thoughts: This was one of those stories that I would only trust in a few authors hands. The leading lady was not typical, especially for a historical. In the wrong hands she would have been down right unlikable or at least not a woman you would root for an HEA. Instead you not only love Rosalind but end up wanting to make sure that Avendale is worthy of HER! Avendale is swoon-worthy so don't get me wrong. He is every thing I want in a Historical Leading Man (yes I have different expectations depending on the type of leading man and period). In the end though it was his connection with Rosalind that makes him super worthy. Don't you love with the love story makes you go SWOOOOOOOOOOON? The mystery of why Rosalind is the way she is was the most compelling part of this story for me. It is worth reading and having that "oh my" moment without spoiling. It was compelling and felt authentic to the time.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Helen Lloyd, James Adams / Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
Helen and James are a perfect example of how two narrators can work for an audiobook. They were both outstanding and balanced each other well. The pacing was steady, equal emotional output, and their voices fit these characters. I highly recommend this on audio!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
lady_aquarian's review against another edition
5.0
It's been a while since I've read a book that made me feel as much as this one. Like so many other reviews, I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say this book is a must read and is one of my new favorites.
jordanriley's review against another edition
I gave up on this book when it became clear that the ableism was not just a passing comment or two. I felt gross reading it and skipped to the epilogue to make sure there wasn't going to be a redeeming plot twist that kept it from going where I thought it was... nope.
Spoiler
Her brother is treated like an object of pity and is a stereotype of the innocent disabled person who never complains and just serves to inspire the able-bodied people around him (through his pain and death, of course).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness
lassarina's review against another edition
5.0
Rosalind Sharpe is a con artist. She finds wealthy men, engages their emotions, and convinces them that she needs money in order to handle some manner of debt, then scoots off with the funds and moves to another town to try the same adventure. She's quite good at what she does - until she meets the Duke of Avendale.
Avendale is a walking scandal, notable for his indulgences in, well, everything. He's also fabulously rich, so much so that he'll never even miss the money Rosalind swindled. Still, a man has his pride, and when he catches her leaving town, he offers her a deal: she can keep the money, and even more, but she'll spend a week in his bed.
One thing I really liked about this book was the relative awareness of power; they both know that this proposition puts her at his mercy, and Avendale is a reasonable person, despite his scandalous behavior. That awareness of the power imbalance flows through the relationship, even as Avendale discovers why it is that Rosalind wanted all that money, and his reaction to that outcome (which I'm omitting because spoilers.) It also flows into the inevitable relationship crisis on both sides, and I loved the way that was done and the way it was resolved. Overall, a wonderful book.
Avendale is a walking scandal, notable for his indulgences in, well, everything. He's also fabulously rich, so much so that he'll never even miss the money Rosalind swindled. Still, a man has his pride, and when he catches her leaving town, he offers her a deal: she can keep the money, and even more, but she'll spend a week in his bed.
One thing I really liked about this book was the relative awareness of power; they both know that this proposition puts her at his mercy, and Avendale is a reasonable person, despite his scandalous behavior. That awareness of the power imbalance flows through the relationship, even as Avendale discovers why it is that Rosalind wanted all that money, and his reaction to that outcome (which I'm omitting because spoilers.) It also flows into the inevitable relationship crisis on both sides, and I loved the way that was done and the way it was resolved. Overall, a wonderful book.