laurenjodi's review
4.0
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover
4 Stars
Masquerading as Chase, the mysterious owner of a notorious gaming hell, Lady Georgiana Pearson enacts vengeance on a society that shunned her by exposing their most decadent sins and vices. But now the ton has turned its attentions to her daughter, and Georgiana realizes that she must marry to protect her child. Intrigued by the beautiful yet unattainable Georgiana, Duncan West, owner of the most read scandal sheets in London, vows to uncover her secrets even as he risks his heart in the process.
While rather far-fetched and unrealistic, this is, nevertheless, a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Let's begin with the problems. First, there is absolutely no way that a woman with Georgiana's past would EVER be accepted back into the ton no matter how flattering the newspaper accounts of her return. Second, it is also highly unlikely that three titled aristocrats, no matter how down on their luck, would enter into a business enterprise with a woman who conceals her identity.
However, if one is able to suspend their disbelief to accept these premises, Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover is a rather engaging romance. Georgiana and Duncan are both appealing characters although Duncan is a bit too beta for my taste and Georgiana a bit too self-sacrificing - whatever happened to the strong, confident and manipulative Chase?
Even though the book contains the despised keeping secrets trope, it actually works here for some reason. Perhaps it is due to the fact that both Duncan and Georgiana are aware that the other is hiding something, and this prevents the angst from going too far.
The real highlight of the book is the cameo appearances by the other couples from the series. Bourne and Penelope, Cross and Pippa, Temple and Mara - all get to put in their two cents about Duncan and Georgiana's relationship and perhaps even get a little payback after her interference in their romances.
In sum, although not the best installment in the series (that goes to One Good Earl Deserves a Lover), this book is entertaining overall and the ending is sweet and satisfying. Looking forward to continuing with MacLean's next series Scandals & Scoundrels.
4 Stars
Masquerading as Chase, the mysterious owner of a notorious gaming hell, Lady Georgiana Pearson enacts vengeance on a society that shunned her by exposing their most decadent sins and vices. But now the ton has turned its attentions to her daughter, and Georgiana realizes that she must marry to protect her child. Intrigued by the beautiful yet unattainable Georgiana, Duncan West, owner of the most read scandal sheets in London, vows to uncover her secrets even as he risks his heart in the process.
While rather far-fetched and unrealistic, this is, nevertheless, a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Let's begin with the problems. First, there is absolutely no way that a woman with Georgiana's past would EVER be accepted back into the ton no matter how flattering the newspaper accounts of her return. Second, it is also highly unlikely that three titled aristocrats, no matter how down on their luck, would enter into a business enterprise with a woman who conceals her identity.
However, if one is able to suspend their disbelief to accept these premises, Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover is a rather engaging romance. Georgiana and Duncan are both appealing characters although Duncan is a bit too beta for my taste and Georgiana a bit too self-sacrificing - whatever happened to the strong, confident and manipulative Chase?
Even though the book contains the despised keeping secrets trope, it actually works here for some reason. Perhaps it is due to the fact that both Duncan and Georgiana are aware that the other is hiding something, and this prevents the angst from going too far.
The real highlight of the book is the cameo appearances by the other couples from the series. Bourne and Penelope, Cross and Pippa, Temple and Mara - all get to put in their two cents about Duncan and Georgiana's relationship and perhaps even get a little payback after her interference in their romances.
In sum, although not the best installment in the series (that goes to One Good Earl Deserves a Lover), this book is entertaining overall and the ending is sweet and satisfying. Looking forward to continuing with MacLean's next series Scandals & Scoundrels.
devon_stangland's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
what_alice_saw's review against another edition
3.0
Scribd Audiobook
I really like Georgiana as a character. She has grown up since 10 Ways to be Adored…. Her daughter is now 9 & precocious as hell. Georgiana is a force to be reckoned with. With secret identities & a no nonsense attitude, she has matured into a powerful woman, feared by all.
Her hero is Duncan West, newspaper magnate. He falls in love with Anna/Georgiana & tries to save her from her powerful “lover”, Chase.
And, therein lies my problem with the novel. Duncan is a “saver,” he’s attracted to women in need of help. He assumes Anna needs help, that she’s totally in thrall to Chase. Every time she holds back her truth, he gets pissy & bounces. He does try to make up for it, but by then he’s caused huge turmoil in Anna’s life.
Edit: I can’t believe I left this out. Duncan has been dealing with Anna for years. He never looked twice at her before figuring out (after she all but told him) that she was also Georgiana. Anna—dirty, dirty whore. Georgiana—son of a Duke & sister to a Duke—She’s too good for me! Anna/Georgiana the same person? Let’s fuck. He’s a tool.
I really like Georgiana as a character. She has grown up since 10 Ways to be Adored…. Her daughter is now 9 & precocious as hell. Georgiana is a force to be reckoned with. With secret identities & a no nonsense attitude, she has matured into a powerful woman, feared by all.
Her hero is Duncan West, newspaper magnate. He falls in love with Anna/Georgiana & tries to save her from her powerful “lover”, Chase.
And, therein lies my problem with the novel. Duncan is a “saver,” he’s attracted to women in need of help. He assumes Anna needs help, that she’s totally in thrall to Chase. Every time she holds back her truth, he gets pissy & bounces. He does try to make up for it, but by then he’s caused huge turmoil in Anna’s life.
Edit: I can’t believe I left this out. Duncan has been dealing with Anna for years. He never looked twice at her before figuring out (after she all but told him) that she was also Georgiana. Anna—dirty, dirty whore. Georgiana—son of a Duke & sister to a Duke—She’s too good for me! Anna/Georgiana the same person? Let’s fuck. He’s a tool.
tweedlebug's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
friendofgosig's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
2.5
This book was fairly routine for what it was - the secrets were not very imaginative or particularly complex, which meant that the whole story was a little flat. It felt quite formulaic, and the resolution a little to easy. None of the characters were presented in any particular depth, and it felt like we were just going through the motions and ticking the boxes without generating any sense of feeling.
breacommelafromage's review
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
fast-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
3.25
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.50
First Thought when Finished: Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean was an excellent end to this series. Pippa/Cross is still my favorite couple in the series but I loved Chase/Duncan's story. It was true to her character and emotionally fulfilling! Overall this will go down as a favorite series and I look forward to the spin-off!
Audio Thoughts:
I love Justine Eyre's narration of this series. It has been an awesome ride and I am sad to see it end!
Part of the Read It, Rate It, File It, Done Reviews
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.50
Audio Rating: 4.50
First Thought when Finished: Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean was an excellent end to this series. Pippa/Cross is still my favorite couple in the series but I loved Chase/Duncan's story. It was true to her character and emotionally fulfilling! Overall this will go down as a favorite series and I look forward to the spin-off!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Justine Eyre / Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins
I love Justine Eyre's narration of this series. It has been an awesome ride and I am sad to see it end!
Part of the Read It, Rate It, File It, Done Reviews
clynnepstein's review
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
evetucke's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25