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Roaring Twenties #1
An American Duchess
At the height of the Roaring Twenties, New York heiress Zoe Gifford longs for the freedoms promised by the Jazz Age. Headstrong and brazen, but bound by her father's will to marry before she can access his fortune, Zoe arranges for a brief marriage to Sebastian Hazelton, whose aristocratic British family sorely needs a benefactor.
Once in England, her foolproof plan to wed, inherit and divorce proves more complicated than Zoe had anticipated. Nigel Hazelton, Duke of Langford and Sebastian's austere older brother, is disgraced by the arrangement and looks down upon the raucous young American who has taken up residence at crumbling Brideswell Abbey. Still reeling from the Great War, Nigel is now staging a one-man battle against a rapidly changing world—and the outspoken Zoe represents everything he's fighting against. When circumstances compel Zoe to marry Nigel rather than Sebastian, she does so for love, he for honor. But with Nigel unwilling to change with the times, Zoe may be forced to choose between her husband and her dreams.
Once in England, her foolproof plan to wed, inherit and divorce proves more complicated than Zoe had anticipated. Nigel Hazelton, Duke of Langford and Sebastian's austere older brother, is disgraced by the arrangement and looks down upon the raucous young American who has taken up residence at crumbling Brideswell Abbey. Still reeling from the Great War, Nigel is now staging a one-man battle against a rapidly changing world—and the outspoken Zoe represents everything he's fighting against. When circumstances compel Zoe to marry Nigel rather than Sebastian, she does so for love, he for honor. But with Nigel unwilling to change with the times, Zoe may be forced to choose between her husband and her dreams.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
31 people are currently reading
2115 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Page
54 books433 followersSharon Page is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels of historical and erotic romance. She is a two-time, consecutive winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, winner of the Golden Quill and the Colorado Award of Excellence, and a multiple finalist for the Daphne Du Maurier Award. She has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and is a four-time finalist.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 9, 2020
3 stars!
Historical romance is not my genre of choice. To be honest, anything historical is not my thing. Usually I have trouble relating to the characters and occasionally the wording throws me off. Thankfully, this was not the case while reading An American Duchess. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. It was fun story with a feisty heroine, a brooding hero, and an unexpected romance.
When the Duke of Langford meets Zoe, he doesn’t know what to think. Women do not behave like her. She’s much too modern for his taste. And he doesn’t agree with her plan to marry Sebastian only to give him a settlement and divorce him later. The Duke, aka Nigel, doesn’t know what to expect with this relationship. He never expects to be enamored with Zoe. And thats exactly what happens. It must be true when they say opposites attract, because Zoe and Nigel find themselves drawn to one another. The sexual tension between the two of them is sizzling. Nigel has never felt this way before. He feels different with Zoe. Alive. For the first time since he came home from the war a scarred man, he feels something else.
I absolutely adored Nigel and Zoe together. Especially the first half of the story. The back and forth banner between them, the way Zoe was with his family. I was never so happy when Zoe and Sebastian realized it would be best for them not to get married and she and Nigel decided to try a real marriage. Who would have thought the distinguished duke would marry a flighty American like her? It was so refreshing to read about a heroine from that time period that was fun and outspoken and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.
Nigel is so different than Zoe in many ways. He is a scarred and damaged man. Zoe brings out some lightness in him. He’s never going to be the fun and carefree guy, but he is different with her. Things in the second half of the story change. Big things change them as individuals and change many aspects of their relationship. There were times I wanted to scream at them both, but I had a lot of sympathy for the things they were going through.
I honestly never thought this fun read would turn into something so serious and emotional. Dealing with after effects of a war, and loss on many different levels isn’t easy.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The last 10-15% I wasn’t crazy about. There were some things that just seemed a little off to me. But the very end, I did like a lot. The writing was great, it was fast paced and had an easy flow. I liked both of the main characters a lot. This was a good read for me and one I would recommend to readers of historical romance. If you’re not a huge fan of this genre, you still may enjoy it like I did. There is a lot of romance, some heat, humor and even some serious parts.
Historical romance is not my genre of choice. To be honest, anything historical is not my thing. Usually I have trouble relating to the characters and occasionally the wording throws me off. Thankfully, this was not the case while reading An American Duchess. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. It was fun story with a feisty heroine, a brooding hero, and an unexpected romance.
“I need a marriage, he needs money, and we don’t need to make matrimony last.”Zoe Gifford is not your average woman of the 1920’s. She’s outspoken, she’s spunky and stubborn. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Right now, what she needs is a husband. For financial reasons only. To help her mother, Zoe needs access to her trust. To get that, she must be married. Zoe travels from America to England to meet up with her potential husband and the Duke’s younger brother, Sebastian. Things don’t go quite as planned…
When the Duke of Langford meets Zoe, he doesn’t know what to think. Women do not behave like her. She’s much too modern for his taste. And he doesn’t agree with her plan to marry Sebastian only to give him a settlement and divorce him later. The Duke, aka Nigel, doesn’t know what to expect with this relationship. He never expects to be enamored with Zoe. And thats exactly what happens. It must be true when they say opposites attract, because Zoe and Nigel find themselves drawn to one another. The sexual tension between the two of them is sizzling. Nigel has never felt this way before. He feels different with Zoe. Alive. For the first time since he came home from the war a scarred man, he feels something else.
She made him forget he was a duke. She made him forget he was supposed to be as hard as steel, as unyielding as rock, as emotionless as a block of lead.
She made him feel alive.
I absolutely adored Nigel and Zoe together. Especially the first half of the story. The back and forth banner between them, the way Zoe was with his family. I was never so happy when Zoe and Sebastian realized it would be best for them not to get married and she and Nigel decided to try a real marriage. Who would have thought the distinguished duke would marry a flighty American like her? It was so refreshing to read about a heroine from that time period that was fun and outspoken and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.
Nigel is so different than Zoe in many ways. He is a scarred and damaged man. Zoe brings out some lightness in him. He’s never going to be the fun and carefree guy, but he is different with her. Things in the second half of the story change. Big things change them as individuals and change many aspects of their relationship. There were times I wanted to scream at them both, but I had a lot of sympathy for the things they were going through.
I honestly never thought this fun read would turn into something so serious and emotional. Dealing with after effects of a war, and loss on many different levels isn’t easy.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The last 10-15% I wasn’t crazy about. There were some things that just seemed a little off to me. But the very end, I did like a lot. The writing was great, it was fast paced and had an easy flow. I liked both of the main characters a lot. This was a good read for me and one I would recommend to readers of historical romance. If you’re not a huge fan of this genre, you still may enjoy it like I did. There is a lot of romance, some heat, humor and even some serious parts.
February 1, 2016
5 Words: historical, romance, surprising, aristocracy, progress.
I got to around the half way point in this and thought "oh, what a sweet ending!"... But it wasn't the end.
An American Duchess takes a much used trope in historical romance and goes far beyond the usual happily-ever-after. Where most books end with the wedding and the honeymoon, this book goes far beyond.
This was a sweet book that had me totally engrossed. I couldn't tear myself a way from the pages. The characters really came to life and I loved reading about Zoe and her passions. And she was one hell of a passionate character.
Langford was a little bit infuriating at times, but it was the way his character was. Watching him develop and grow and change was fantastic, and it really upped the power of this story.
This book is Downton Abbey meets My Last Duchess, with a dash of Girl Power for good measure. I loved it and will definitely look out for more of this authors work!
And look at that cover. Just sit and stare at it. I did.
I got to around the half way point in this and thought "oh, what a sweet ending!"... But it wasn't the end.
An American Duchess takes a much used trope in historical romance and goes far beyond the usual happily-ever-after. Where most books end with the wedding and the honeymoon, this book goes far beyond.
This was a sweet book that had me totally engrossed. I couldn't tear myself a way from the pages. The characters really came to life and I loved reading about Zoe and her passions. And she was one hell of a passionate character.
Langford was a little bit infuriating at times, but it was the way his character was. Watching him develop and grow and change was fantastic, and it really upped the power of this story.
This book is Downton Abbey meets My Last Duchess, with a dash of Girl Power for good measure. I loved it and will definitely look out for more of this authors work!
And look at that cover. Just sit and stare at it. I did.
October 1, 2014
An interesting twist on a historical romance involving dukes and duchesses and the snobbery of England vs. the vulgarity of Americans. I enjoyed it, and was well on my way to a four star read but the ending really fell flat for me.
THINGS I LIKED:
I enjoyed Zoe's antics and her enthusiastic way of doing spontaneous things almost deliberately. It was sort of funny to read about her thought process just before doing something shocking, as she very nearly made a conscious decision to act a certain way without forethought. That's confusing, I know, but it was in there, and it was kind of endearing. She's known true poverty, so she appreciates every little thing about her affluent lifestyle now. At first, anyways.
Nigel, Duke of Langford, is the quintessential HR stuffy Duke, only now we get one that's refusing to modernize to electricity and indoor plumbing just as much as short skirts and jazz music. To be honest, this Duke was just a bit TOO stuffy for me.
LOVED the setting, loved the era, LOVED the altogether different tone of the book with regards to the modern world clashing with the old days. Cars vs. horses, the advancements in creature comforts, and the abrupt and violent psychosocial changes that took place during this time period are fascinating.
NOT SO MUCH:
Stubborn seemed to be the name of the game with both Zoe and Nigel, and they took it too far. Nigel's preoccupation with certain safety measures got old after awhile, just as Zoe's utter disregard for any and all propriety did as well. There seemed to be little to no compromise between the two, for nearly the entire book. It was one way or the other, with a couple big incidents of crossover.
The last ten percent of the book felt completely incongruous from where I wanted/expected the book to go. I felt like one character got to throw a fit, and the other had to cave in. Not to mention the way that a certain someone ended up acting completely out of character to an extreme, while the other remained the same, only now with a sense of right-ness and superiority.
So it was a fun read in parts. Very emotional in others with regard to the war and the casualties that happened both during and after. The romance was not as believable or romantic as I needed it to be, I guess. It felt too forced, and like I said earlier...there was not a lot of compromise and meshing of two lives.
Advance copy provided for review
THINGS I LIKED:
I enjoyed Zoe's antics and her enthusiastic way of doing spontaneous things almost deliberately. It was sort of funny to read about her thought process just before doing something shocking, as she very nearly made a conscious decision to act a certain way without forethought. That's confusing, I know, but it was in there, and it was kind of endearing. She's known true poverty, so she appreciates every little thing about her affluent lifestyle now. At first, anyways.
Nigel, Duke of Langford, is the quintessential HR stuffy Duke, only now we get one that's refusing to modernize to electricity and indoor plumbing just as much as short skirts and jazz music. To be honest, this Duke was just a bit TOO stuffy for me.
LOVED the setting, loved the era, LOVED the altogether different tone of the book with regards to the modern world clashing with the old days. Cars vs. horses, the advancements in creature comforts, and the abrupt and violent psychosocial changes that took place during this time period are fascinating.
NOT SO MUCH:
Stubborn seemed to be the name of the game with both Zoe and Nigel, and they took it too far. Nigel's preoccupation with certain safety measures got old after awhile, just as Zoe's utter disregard for any and all propriety did as well. There seemed to be little to no compromise between the two, for nearly the entire book. It was one way or the other, with a couple big incidents of crossover.
The last ten percent of the book felt completely incongruous from where I wanted/expected the book to go. I felt like one character got to throw a fit, and the other had to cave in. Not to mention the way that a certain someone ended up acting completely out of character to an extreme, while the other remained the same, only now with a sense of right-ness and superiority.
So it was a fun read in parts. Very emotional in others with regard to the war and the casualties that happened both during and after. The romance was not as believable or romantic as I needed it to be, I guess. It felt too forced, and like I said earlier...there was not a lot of compromise and meshing of two lives.
Advance copy provided for review
June 10, 2021
This romantic novel by Sharon Page reminded me how much I loved romance novels.
I hadn't touched a pure romance book for a while, and when I won this book and decided to read it, I was not let down. This book was beautifully written in a time period that reminded me a lot of "The Great Gatsby" by F Scott Fitzgerald. The book battles some issues including loss, war, love, following your dreams and also focusing on being a time piece rather than a modern day piece.
Following Zoe, who is a headstrong girl who wants to do what she wants and not others was pretty stereotypical, but she was not the stereotypical character other than following the path of many other famous lead characters. She is not your typical lady, since she is willing to be both ladylike, and tomboy-ish and sarcastic.
I could not put this book down and I was glued to every page when I was reading it. The novel featured beautiful descriptions and had a lot of heart put into it. The emotional roller coaster I experienced while reading this book was possible only through the author's ability to make the characters feel real and have the situations seem realistic.
Beautiful book! Five out of five stars! I cannot praise this book enough!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I hadn't touched a pure romance book for a while, and when I won this book and decided to read it, I was not let down. This book was beautifully written in a time period that reminded me a lot of "The Great Gatsby" by F Scott Fitzgerald. The book battles some issues including loss, war, love, following your dreams and also focusing on being a time piece rather than a modern day piece.
Following Zoe, who is a headstrong girl who wants to do what she wants and not others was pretty stereotypical, but she was not the stereotypical character other than following the path of many other famous lead characters. She is not your typical lady, since she is willing to be both ladylike, and tomboy-ish and sarcastic.
I could not put this book down and I was glued to every page when I was reading it. The novel featured beautiful descriptions and had a lot of heart put into it. The emotional roller coaster I experienced while reading this book was possible only through the author's ability to make the characters feel real and have the situations seem realistic.
Beautiful book! Five out of five stars! I cannot praise this book enough!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 19, 2014
In the past, I've often complained about romance novels, about how they always end with a couple getting married and the woman with a babe in her womb. So predictable. And is that really a HEA? We all know there's so much more to a woman's life, to marriage.
This story goes that further step, and for that I'll give it a few points, but now I understand why most stories end with marriage. It gets so boring after that. Though it didn't have to be...
I loved the first part of this book, loved the heroine, the scandal surrounding her arrival and the family she is marrying into. I laughed at her shocking remarks to all the uptight women, applauded her stance on women's rights, wanted more of her flying escapades. This was truly a heroine after my own heart....oh--and I grinned when she criticized the English upper class for having inherited their fortune rather than working for it. However, that last bit being said, I was surprised at how she changes after she's wed. It's not like she works for anything either, never did, come to think of it.
After she's married all she does is think about sex, how to get her husband to visit her bed more often, why her husband isn't sleeping with her. That becomes the main focus of her life, of her very existence. And then something bad happens and the story just won't let up on it and the emotional ramifications. I realize it's hard to go through in real life, but to pound on and on and on about it. The experience became too much of the story. The heroine became a ninny.
And then suddenly she declares, "I intend to be the first female to circumnavigate the globe. I can do this. you need three things: guts, ability and money. I do that those things, Nigel (her husband). And I want to the world that I do."
And, oh....my poor heart. I got excited for nothing. NOTHING. Oh , there's a brief mention--one sentence--of her flying from FL to NY, but that's all. Instead the story chooses to focus on her just doing something randomly stupid. And then suddenly she's afraid to fly over water, this girl was going to fly over the Atlantic? Huh? So while I loved her in the beginning, in the end I decided she was all bark, no bite.
The first part of the story has so much more going on: a younger sister in love with no dowry, a dowager stuck in the old ways, the question of a brother's sexuality, an uncle who has reason to throw the heroine's mother in jail...so much suspense and excitement that all disappears once the heroine marries and her focuses in life completely change.
Full review and great quotes: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
This story goes that further step, and for that I'll give it a few points, but now I understand why most stories end with marriage. It gets so boring after that. Though it didn't have to be...
I loved the first part of this book, loved the heroine, the scandal surrounding her arrival and the family she is marrying into. I laughed at her shocking remarks to all the uptight women, applauded her stance on women's rights, wanted more of her flying escapades. This was truly a heroine after my own heart....oh--and I grinned when she criticized the English upper class for having inherited their fortune rather than working for it. However, that last bit being said, I was surprised at how she changes after she's wed. It's not like she works for anything either, never did, come to think of it.
After she's married all she does is think about sex, how to get her husband to visit her bed more often, why her husband isn't sleeping with her. That becomes the main focus of her life, of her very existence. And then something bad happens and the story just won't let up on it and the emotional ramifications. I realize it's hard to go through in real life, but to pound on and on and on about it. The experience became too much of the story. The heroine became a ninny.
And then suddenly she declares, "I intend to be the first female to circumnavigate the globe. I can do this. you need three things: guts, ability and money. I do that those things, Nigel (her husband). And I want to the world that I do."
And, oh....my poor heart. I got excited for nothing. NOTHING. Oh , there's a brief mention--one sentence--of her flying from FL to NY, but that's all. Instead the story chooses to focus on her just doing something randomly stupid. And then suddenly she's afraid to fly over water, this girl was going to fly over the Atlantic? Huh? So while I loved her in the beginning, in the end I decided she was all bark, no bite.
The first part of the story has so much more going on: a younger sister in love with no dowry, a dowager stuck in the old ways, the question of a brother's sexuality, an uncle who has reason to throw the heroine's mother in jail...so much suspense and excitement that all disappears once the heroine marries and her focuses in life completely change.
Full review and great quotes: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
June 16, 2016
Well, this book started out well and I was really enjoying it...but then the heroine made a stupid decision after already losing her first baby and proceeded to lose the second. The doctor told her it could have happened even if she hadn't stupidly flown in her plane, knowing she was pregnant and crashed.
This is 1922 and our heroine wants to be independent and her own woman but made stupid decisions. She left her husband which, I get, because he wouldn't open up to her but running off to America, flirting with other men and allowing an artist to paint her naked is not the best choice. I just didn't like her. She isn't the type of heroine I want to read about. Other people may like it but it just didn't work for me.
Our hero has PTSD or as it was known then, Shell Shock. He was also very British and rigid. This caused him to be her closed off to the heroine at times and then after the second miscarriage, he closed up even more and sold his wife's plane and car prompting his wife to leave.
It frustrated me to read this and didn't like where the author took the story in the end.
Also it felt like Nigel made all the compromises while Zoe, acting rash and immature, never had to change. She was rewarded for her behavior by getting her husband back...and changed to fit her, with no compromise on her part.
The steam level is pretty low in this book, FYI.
This is 1922 and our heroine wants to be independent and her own woman but made stupid decisions. She left her husband which, I get, because he wouldn't open up to her but running off to America, flirting with other men and allowing an artist to paint her naked is not the best choice. I just didn't like her. She isn't the type of heroine I want to read about. Other people may like it but it just didn't work for me.
Our hero has PTSD or as it was known then, Shell Shock. He was also very British and rigid. This caused him to be her closed off to the heroine at times and then after the second miscarriage, he closed up even more and sold his wife's plane and car prompting his wife to leave.
It frustrated me to read this and didn't like where the author took the story in the end.
Also it felt like Nigel made all the compromises while Zoe, acting rash and immature, never had to change. She was rewarded for her behavior by getting her husband back...and changed to fit her, with no compromise on her part.
The steam level is pretty low in this book, FYI.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2014
Ehhhh. This is really more historical than romance. There was SO MUCH bad stuff. And all in a REALLY SHORT amount of time. And, really, fixing it took a relatively short amount of time, too.
I don't know, I don't know. I think the book took on too much, maybe. There wasn't enough time to deal with everything it tried to.
And the beginning part happened too quickly, too. Like, Zoe showing up and changing all their lives? I do buy that. I don't buy that it happened in what seemed to be a matter of days!
I don't know, I don't know. I think the book took on too much, maybe. There wasn't enough time to deal with everything it tried to.
And the beginning part happened too quickly, too. Like, Zoe showing up and changing all their lives? I do buy that. I don't buy that it happened in what seemed to be a matter of days!
September 19, 2014
3.5. Lost steam in the second half. Full review to follow.
I've been fairly taken with World War I novels for the past while, thanks to an introduction to the post-war years via Simone St. James. With this year's centenary, it's been remarkably easy to get your hands on anything WWI related. I've been particularly drawn to the aftermath of the war and the inevitable coping strategies that the survivors use to help themselves deal with the changed world around them. Because of this interest I was especially interested in reading An American Duchess as it takes place shortly after the end of the war in 1922, at a country estate no less. Downton Abbey anyone?
Zoe Gifford is an American heiress who has arrived in England to marry Sebastian, the second son of a duke, in order to gain access to her trust fund. Zoe's fiance has died, so she's not interested in love and plans to divorce Sebastian not long after the wedding. She simply needs access to her funds, and this is her only option. Sebastian has his own reasons for a marriage of convenience, but when Sebastian's elder brother, Nigel, disapproves Zoe starts to rethink her plan. Not because she's offended that the stuffy duke doesn't think too much of her or her mercenary plan. No, it seems that Zoe starts to develop feelings for the duke once she starts to learn there's more to his rigid behaviour. Nigel has returned from the war scarred in body and mind. He's last friends, his fiance, his looks, and it also seems that he's losing his way of life. His coping mechanism is clinging to routine and maintaining the status quo: "He believed in formality. He believed in the old ways, the old standards, in showing respect to one's class and position" (p. 23). When Zoe arrives with her brash American mannerisms and her zest for life, Nigel is immediately off put, but soon finds himself reluctantly charmed and slowly forced out of his old fashioned nonsense. However, the scars from the war run deep and Nigel and Zoe's fledgling relationship is continually challenged by their reluctance to acknowledge the past.
For the most part I thought An American Duchess was a good read. I was interested in the subject matter and the time period, and the romance started out so strong. The opposites attract theme here worked so well. Unfortunately, I thought the second half of this novel lagged and my interest started to wane.
What I thought the author did well was capturing the changing attitudes and beliefs in the post-war era, as well as the naive optimism that filled many of the survivors, mainly because it was another way for people to cope with what they had lost.
One the one hand the post-war era was a time for change. Women were moving in a new direction and gaining more independence. The class system was starting to break down, necessitating a push-back from those that did not want to let go of the old standards. No one encapsulates the idea that the modern world in encroaching on the old than Zoe and the ideals that she represents with her "outrageous" behaviour:
Throughout the novel, the author continues to demonstrate the tension between the old and the new order, capturing the attitudes of the time through the developments in Nigel and Zoe's relationship. Both adhere to different ideals and because of that they continue to clash. Whether or not Nigel and Zoe's differences can actually be resolved is another matter.
I also liked how Zoe represented that sense of urgency and optimism that is always taught to be part of the roaring twenties. Zoe is continually presented as a young woman that views fun as a primary objective; at first glance, Zoe appears extremely frivolous. She wants to keep moving, dancing, driving, flying. While this can be seen as optimism, with Zoe, it is shown to be her form of coping with the loss of her brother and fiance. If she stands still long enough, Zoe will have to think about that loss. I liked that the author showed that the characterized optimism of the time is more complicated than it appears. There was a reason people were running to the speakeasies and partying every night.
What I was not as fond of was the pacing of the romance. I did like that the author took a unique approach to the romance. Zoe and Nigel were married and declared their feelings for each other relatively quickly in the novel. This gave the author time to explore the inevitable conflict in their early marriage. The marked differences between Nigel and Zoe were not anywhere close to resolved before they decided to marry. Nigel was not ready to deal with his past or share it with Zoe, and Zoe was filled with the optimistic thought that she could "make" Nigel happy enough that he would forget the war and move on. Just hearing their thoughts on their wedding day, it was clear that there was going to be problems in the near future. While I honestly appreciated this approach, I found that the development of their relationship after marriage started to run in circles without moving forward.
Following their marriage, Nigel and Zoe continued to argue about the same things and it began to feel a bit repetitive. Nigel was determined to cling to his notions of class and propriety, and although I will say that he made huge leaps, he did not understand Zoe's need for fun. And Zoe continued to run from the past and she was determined to bring Nigel with her without understanding how deeply the war had affected Nigel. This continued misunderstanding of each other repeated itself numerous times in the second half of the book and the continued clash started to feel redundant and unnecessary.
It was also in the second half of the book that I started to become frustrated with Zoe's thinking and attitude. Yes, she was a modern girl, and I liked her independence, but she seemed very unwilling to compromise with Nigel despite knowing his beliefs. Nigel was raised to be a stuffy duke and there's only so much change that can be expected and I thought that Zoe was expecting him to change into a new person in order for him to really win her love. I'm not opposed to some groveling when it's deserved, and Nigel definetly needed to make some hard choices, but I thought that the personality transplant was a bit extreme and unfair. Both Nigel and Zoe demonstrated some very muddled thinking and seemed to disregard the fact that they were married, and therefore had to actually consider the other person in the relationship. Again, this was a great idea and it was refreshing to see the hero and heroine actually have to deal with reality in a romance, I just felt that it was somewhat one-sided after all the repetitive arguments that showed how different these two were.
What An American Duchess succeeds in doing is capturing a moment in history. Readers are treated to the changing beliefs following a destructive war. Not everyone was happy with these changes and this was most clear in the relationship between Nigel and Zoe, each representing diverging schools of thought. While I did like the premise and the historical atmosphere I found the continued problems between Nigel and Zoe in the second half to be repetitive, which disrupted the pacing of the book for me. Ultimately, I think this book could have been significantly shorter and had a stronger finish. That said, I loved the atmosphere and I would be back for another book by this author in the same setting. Perhaps Nigel's sister's story?
Originally published with read-alikes at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy via NetGalley.
I've been fairly taken with World War I novels for the past while, thanks to an introduction to the post-war years via Simone St. James. With this year's centenary, it's been remarkably easy to get your hands on anything WWI related. I've been particularly drawn to the aftermath of the war and the inevitable coping strategies that the survivors use to help themselves deal with the changed world around them. Because of this interest I was especially interested in reading An American Duchess as it takes place shortly after the end of the war in 1922, at a country estate no less. Downton Abbey anyone?
Zoe Gifford is an American heiress who has arrived in England to marry Sebastian, the second son of a duke, in order to gain access to her trust fund. Zoe's fiance has died, so she's not interested in love and plans to divorce Sebastian not long after the wedding. She simply needs access to her funds, and this is her only option. Sebastian has his own reasons for a marriage of convenience, but when Sebastian's elder brother, Nigel, disapproves Zoe starts to rethink her plan. Not because she's offended that the stuffy duke doesn't think too much of her or her mercenary plan. No, it seems that Zoe starts to develop feelings for the duke once she starts to learn there's more to his rigid behaviour. Nigel has returned from the war scarred in body and mind. He's last friends, his fiance, his looks, and it also seems that he's losing his way of life. His coping mechanism is clinging to routine and maintaining the status quo: "He believed in formality. He believed in the old ways, the old standards, in showing respect to one's class and position" (p. 23). When Zoe arrives with her brash American mannerisms and her zest for life, Nigel is immediately off put, but soon finds himself reluctantly charmed and slowly forced out of his old fashioned nonsense. However, the scars from the war run deep and Nigel and Zoe's fledgling relationship is continually challenged by their reluctance to acknowledge the past.
For the most part I thought An American Duchess was a good read. I was interested in the subject matter and the time period, and the romance started out so strong. The opposites attract theme here worked so well. Unfortunately, I thought the second half of this novel lagged and my interest started to wane.
What I thought the author did well was capturing the changing attitudes and beliefs in the post-war era, as well as the naive optimism that filled many of the survivors, mainly because it was another way for people to cope with what they had lost.
One the one hand the post-war era was a time for change. Women were moving in a new direction and gaining more independence. The class system was starting to break down, necessitating a push-back from those that did not want to let go of the old standards. No one encapsulates the idea that the modern world in encroaching on the old than Zoe and the ideals that she represents with her "outrageous" behaviour:
A devastating war had killed millions, had recarved Europe, had torn wounds that might scar over but would never heal. And what shocked Englishmen was a woman in the smoking room in a short skirt with her legs crossed (p. 76).
Throughout the novel, the author continues to demonstrate the tension between the old and the new order, capturing the attitudes of the time through the developments in Nigel and Zoe's relationship. Both adhere to different ideals and because of that they continue to clash. Whether or not Nigel and Zoe's differences can actually be resolved is another matter.
I also liked how Zoe represented that sense of urgency and optimism that is always taught to be part of the roaring twenties. Zoe is continually presented as a young woman that views fun as a primary objective; at first glance, Zoe appears extremely frivolous. She wants to keep moving, dancing, driving, flying. While this can be seen as optimism, with Zoe, it is shown to be her form of coping with the loss of her brother and fiance. If she stands still long enough, Zoe will have to think about that loss. I liked that the author showed that the characterized optimism of the time is more complicated than it appears. There was a reason people were running to the speakeasies and partying every night.
What I was not as fond of was the pacing of the romance. I did like that the author took a unique approach to the romance. Zoe and Nigel were married and declared their feelings for each other relatively quickly in the novel. This gave the author time to explore the inevitable conflict in their early marriage. The marked differences between Nigel and Zoe were not anywhere close to resolved before they decided to marry. Nigel was not ready to deal with his past or share it with Zoe, and Zoe was filled with the optimistic thought that she could "make" Nigel happy enough that he would forget the war and move on. Just hearing their thoughts on their wedding day, it was clear that there was going to be problems in the near future. While I honestly appreciated this approach, I found that the development of their relationship after marriage started to run in circles without moving forward.
Following their marriage, Nigel and Zoe continued to argue about the same things and it began to feel a bit repetitive. Nigel was determined to cling to his notions of class and propriety, and although I will say that he made huge leaps, he did not understand Zoe's need for fun. And Zoe continued to run from the past and she was determined to bring Nigel with her without understanding how deeply the war had affected Nigel. This continued misunderstanding of each other repeated itself numerous times in the second half of the book and the continued clash started to feel redundant and unnecessary.
It was also in the second half of the book that I started to become frustrated with Zoe's thinking and attitude. Yes, she was a modern girl, and I liked her independence, but she seemed very unwilling to compromise with Nigel despite knowing his beliefs. Nigel was raised to be a stuffy duke and there's only so much change that can be expected and I thought that Zoe was expecting him to change into a new person in order for him to really win her love. I'm not opposed to some groveling when it's deserved, and Nigel definetly needed to make some hard choices, but I thought that the personality transplant was a bit extreme and unfair. Both Nigel and Zoe demonstrated some very muddled thinking and seemed to disregard the fact that they were married, and therefore had to actually consider the other person in the relationship. Again, this was a great idea and it was refreshing to see the hero and heroine actually have to deal with reality in a romance, I just felt that it was somewhat one-sided after all the repetitive arguments that showed how different these two were.
What An American Duchess succeeds in doing is capturing a moment in history. Readers are treated to the changing beliefs following a destructive war. Not everyone was happy with these changes and this was most clear in the relationship between Nigel and Zoe, each representing diverging schools of thought. While I did like the premise and the historical atmosphere I found the continued problems between Nigel and Zoe in the second half to be repetitive, which disrupted the pacing of the book for me. Ultimately, I think this book could have been significantly shorter and had a stronger finish. That said, I loved the atmosphere and I would be back for another book by this author in the same setting. Perhaps Nigel's sister's story?
Originally published with read-alikes at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy via NetGalley.
October 29, 2022
It’s the roaring 20s and women are more adventurous than ever - driving fast cars, going to speakeasies and clubs, and even flying airplanes. Zoe Gifford is the “it” girl of New York; although, high society doesn’t always accept her since her family is nouveau riche. She definitely has an air of imposter syndrome going on about her, even with her daredevil activities. Her mother has put them at risk with some debts and Zoe needs quick access to her trust fund. The solution presents itself in the form of Sebastian, the second son of a duke. Sebastian needs money to help his family and their crumbling estate. Zoe and Sebastian decide to get married, get access to the trust fund, divorce and settle a nice amount on Sebastian so he can help his family. Things go a little off course when Zoe meets the rest of Sebastian’s family. Nigel, the duke, is a tough one to get to know. He’s deeply traditional and scarred from his time in WWI. Zoe is pulled to Nigel and he reluctantly feels a pull towards her. Their relationship has a nice edge to it as they try to fight their feelings. Through some developments and sharing of secrets, Zoe and Nigel end up married. At this point, the novel changed for me. I really enjoyed everything before this. After they marry, there was a bit of decline in movement of the plot. There are bright spots and Zoe does a lot to help Nigel and his family. As a mother, there is a moment that had me in massive tears. It did feel like the second half dragged on and could have moved differently. The final resolution was fine but actually felt rushed because everything before it was at a snail’s pace. Overall, the novel was pretty good but I don’t know that I will return to the series since the plot synopsis of the next one sounded exactly like this one.
June 16, 2020
2.5 stars, rounded down due to subzero chemistry (see below). But let it be known: I love the era when this is set -- so fresh compared to the tired f'ing Regency.
TBH, I scanned through the final third, because I didn't care. At all. The entire book was just...flat. Conflicts felt forced; plot felt contrived; characters felt lackluster. In theory I liked these MC types...but in this instance, there was no sparkle. No life. They were just bland oatmeal, ultra-predictable in their responses to equally predictable stimuli. Though I sympathized with their backstories, I felt no depth or chemistry with Nigel & Zoe; they went from 0 to 90 in ten seconds, from revulsion & can't-stand-yer-'tude to wanting to hump in an airplane & lovelorn gazes. Yaaaawn.
Normally I like books with flamboyant flappers, taciturn ex-soldiers, shell-shock, high society, & old world vs nouveau riche, but alas. This was a fail.
TBH, I scanned through the final third, because I didn't care. At all. The entire book was just...flat. Conflicts felt forced; plot felt contrived; characters felt lackluster. In theory I liked these MC types...but in this instance, there was no sparkle. No life. They were just bland oatmeal, ultra-predictable in their responses to equally predictable stimuli. Though I sympathized with their backstories, I felt no depth or chemistry with Nigel & Zoe; they went from 0 to 90 in ten seconds, from revulsion & can't-stand-yer-'tude to wanting to hump in an airplane & lovelorn gazes. Yaaaawn.
Normally I like books with flamboyant flappers, taciturn ex-soldiers, shell-shock, high society, & old world vs nouveau riche, but alas. This was a fail.
January 2, 2015
A good historical romance that leaves you feeling good!
January 6, 2015
Read This Review & More Like It At Ageless Pages Reviews
I was surprised to find An American Duchess was published by Harlequin, because this is far from a traditional romance novel. We all know the formula: couple meets, falls in love, is driven apart by misunderstanding, reconciles, marries, happily ever after. Those elements are all present in the novel, but it focuses much more on making that impulsive marriage work and if love is actually enough.
Zoe is a new money, New York heiress who has decided on a marriage of convenience in order to access her trust fund. Sebastian is an old world noble with a secret and a desperate financial need. Together they decide to wed and divorce so everyone gets what they want. Except Nigel, Sebastian’s brother and the prideful Duke of Langford, to whom Zoe and divorce represent a modern world with which he can’t cope.
Obviously, Zoe and Nigel fall in love and she becomes the duchess instead of just Lady Hazelton. Even if that wasn’t the title, it’s right there in the blurb. Still, this happens less than halfway through the book and isn’t the true focus of the story. Both characters lost practically everything in World War I. Zoe’s beloved father has passed, as has the love of her life, a flying Ace who taught her everything he knew, and her brother. Nigel is mentally and physically scarred from the fighting. His fiancee left him, his other brother died of influenza and his mother hasn’t recovered. Zoe copes with her grief through fast driving, high flying, and partying ‘til dawn. Nigel turns in on himself, freezing out his family and friends. Shockingly, as they face numerous personal tragedies in their short marriage, these grieving styles don’t work together.
Where the book is best is describing the horror of the war and its impact on civilian life. No one, not the laundress or the Duke, are untouched by loss. I found myself extremely sad for their futures, which finally seem bright, with WW2 on the horizon to take their children and nephews. It’s a point of view I���ve seen a lot of historical novels struggle to relate, which makes it all the more impressive in a so-called “pop fiction” genre.
Unfortunately, my biggest problems with the book are the pacing and Nigel’s reactions to Zoe; both are pretty big issues. The pacing is something of a rollercoaster, with plot points, (like an embezzling lawyer and a suicide,) flashing right past, while other, minor things climb for ages. I had a real issue specifically with the trip to California. The previous chapters are ignored for set pieces that didn’t have enough impact, (the beach and the party specifically,) but feel included to set a Gatsby like atmosphere to counter England. I felt like we either should have moved into that setting a lot sooner or had a tighter focus on the main characters and their relationship turning point.
Nigel came across as alternatively neglectful and overbearing. While Zoe obviously wanted him to fight for her, the artist and the pilot were both eyerolling. And selling all of a woman’s modes of transport while she’s ill? That’s just abusive, Nigel. On the other side of the coin, I understand his coping mechanisms required him to stay away, but the way he treated her after both was abominable. Zoe’s not faultless, but I could never take Nigel’s side.
Now, I did like Nigel as a character, and I was rooting for them to make up and make the marriage work. I liked the idea of focusing on the after-the-wedding scenes that we don’t often see in romance novels. The passion was palpable, and the sorrow was heartbreaking. I do wish the pacing had been steadier and some of the rougher relationship patches felt like a slog as Nigel and Zoe rehashed the same arguments over and over. In all, a good read with a few caveats.
I was surprised to find An American Duchess was published by Harlequin, because this is far from a traditional romance novel. We all know the formula: couple meets, falls in love, is driven apart by misunderstanding, reconciles, marries, happily ever after. Those elements are all present in the novel, but it focuses much more on making that impulsive marriage work and if love is actually enough.
Zoe is a new money, New York heiress who has decided on a marriage of convenience in order to access her trust fund. Sebastian is an old world noble with a secret and a desperate financial need. Together they decide to wed and divorce so everyone gets what they want. Except Nigel, Sebastian’s brother and the prideful Duke of Langford, to whom Zoe and divorce represent a modern world with which he can’t cope.
Obviously, Zoe and Nigel fall in love and she becomes the duchess instead of just Lady Hazelton. Even if that wasn’t the title, it’s right there in the blurb. Still, this happens less than halfway through the book and isn’t the true focus of the story. Both characters lost practically everything in World War I. Zoe’s beloved father has passed, as has the love of her life, a flying Ace who taught her everything he knew, and her brother. Nigel is mentally and physically scarred from the fighting. His fiancee left him, his other brother died of influenza and his mother hasn’t recovered. Zoe copes with her grief through fast driving, high flying, and partying ‘til dawn. Nigel turns in on himself, freezing out his family and friends. Shockingly, as they face numerous personal tragedies in their short marriage, these grieving styles don’t work together.
Where the book is best is describing the horror of the war and its impact on civilian life. No one, not the laundress or the Duke, are untouched by loss. I found myself extremely sad for their futures, which finally seem bright, with WW2 on the horizon to take their children and nephews. It’s a point of view I���ve seen a lot of historical novels struggle to relate, which makes it all the more impressive in a so-called “pop fiction” genre.
Unfortunately, my biggest problems with the book are the pacing and Nigel’s reactions to Zoe; both are pretty big issues. The pacing is something of a rollercoaster, with plot points, (like an embezzling lawyer and a suicide,) flashing right past, while other, minor things climb for ages. I had a real issue specifically with the trip to California. The previous chapters are ignored for set pieces that didn’t have enough impact, (the beach and the party specifically,) but feel included to set a Gatsby like atmosphere to counter England. I felt like we either should have moved into that setting a lot sooner or had a tighter focus on the main characters and their relationship turning point.
Nigel came across as alternatively neglectful and overbearing. While Zoe obviously wanted him to fight for her, the artist and the pilot were both eyerolling. And selling all of a woman’s modes of transport while she’s ill? That’s just abusive, Nigel. On the other side of the coin, I understand his coping mechanisms required him to stay away, but the way he treated her after both was abominable. Zoe’s not faultless, but I could never take Nigel’s side.
Now, I did like Nigel as a character, and I was rooting for them to make up and make the marriage work. I liked the idea of focusing on the after-the-wedding scenes that we don’t often see in romance novels. The passion was palpable, and the sorrow was heartbreaking. I do wish the pacing had been steadier and some of the rougher relationship patches felt like a slog as Nigel and Zoe rehashed the same arguments over and over. In all, a good read with a few caveats.
October 3, 2014
I love everything about the twenties- the fashion, the lifestyle, the bootlegging and speakeasies…life seemed so cool back then and I love reading books set in that era. One look at An American Duchess and I thought I would absolutely love it. Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with the characters and the whole theme of the modernization of the world was a bit heavy handed to me.
In 1922 New York, Zoe Gifford embodies all things up and coming in the Jazz Age. She longs for freedom to be who she wants and to indulge in all of life's pleasures. But Zoe must marry in order to access a fortune her mother desperately needs, so she arranges a marriage with Sebastian Hazelton, an English aristocrat who's family is also finding itself in the midst of money troubles. When Zoe and her mother go to England to carry out the engagement, the last thing Zoe expects to find Nigel Hazelton, the irritable yet intriguing brother of Sebastian, who also happens to be the Duke of Langford. Still affected by the shocks of the war, Nigel is content keeping Langford just the way it is and resists anything that has to do with the emerging modern world. While Zoe and Nigel couldn't be more opposite, the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny the passion brewing between them.
Like I said, I was very excited to read this book. I watch Downton Abbey and their flapper cousin Rose is one of my favorite characters. I expected Zoe to be somewhat like her, but instead Zoe was a very exaggerated flapper you might find in the 20s. Zoe is very hardheaded and strongly believes in feminism and loose morals. I wish her character wasn't so overdone or stubborn because at times it seems like she just enjoyed picking fights and arguments and it just got old. With Nigel being the exact opposite, I felt like his character was also a bit too much in that old-fashioned regard. He wanted NOTHING to change and was just as hardheaded. While I like it when the romantic interests bicker and flirt, their fighting happened again and again over the same issues to the point where it was just boring and not interesting anymore.
I was intrigued that Zoe's character was able to fly airplanes, but I was disappointed with the scenes we got where she actually flew a plane. There was no detail about the event at all, just that she got in, flew, and landed. I wanted her flying to come alive, but I didn't get a sense at all of why she loved flying so much. Also, with the story, I feel like I was over the story about 150 pages in and that everything else just seemed redundant and tiring for the next 200 pages. Things started going by too fast and I didn't have enough time to become really invested in the characters before huge decisions were being made and time was moving forward. I ended up skimming through the last half of the book because I wasn't interested in their story anymore and just wanted to be done with it.
While the premise was promising, the end result was too heavy handed in the themes that made up the Jazz Age of the 20s. The pacing felt off and I didn't find myself caring for the characters as much as I wanted to. While I appreciated how the story emphasized how both America and England changed after the war in the 20s, the story just couldn't hold up for me.
In 1922 New York, Zoe Gifford embodies all things up and coming in the Jazz Age. She longs for freedom to be who she wants and to indulge in all of life's pleasures. But Zoe must marry in order to access a fortune her mother desperately needs, so she arranges a marriage with Sebastian Hazelton, an English aristocrat who's family is also finding itself in the midst of money troubles. When Zoe and her mother go to England to carry out the engagement, the last thing Zoe expects to find Nigel Hazelton, the irritable yet intriguing brother of Sebastian, who also happens to be the Duke of Langford. Still affected by the shocks of the war, Nigel is content keeping Langford just the way it is and resists anything that has to do with the emerging modern world. While Zoe and Nigel couldn't be more opposite, the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny the passion brewing between them.
Like I said, I was very excited to read this book. I watch Downton Abbey and their flapper cousin Rose is one of my favorite characters. I expected Zoe to be somewhat like her, but instead Zoe was a very exaggerated flapper you might find in the 20s. Zoe is very hardheaded and strongly believes in feminism and loose morals. I wish her character wasn't so overdone or stubborn because at times it seems like she just enjoyed picking fights and arguments and it just got old. With Nigel being the exact opposite, I felt like his character was also a bit too much in that old-fashioned regard. He wanted NOTHING to change and was just as hardheaded. While I like it when the romantic interests bicker and flirt, their fighting happened again and again over the same issues to the point where it was just boring and not interesting anymore.
I was intrigued that Zoe's character was able to fly airplanes, but I was disappointed with the scenes we got where she actually flew a plane. There was no detail about the event at all, just that she got in, flew, and landed. I wanted her flying to come alive, but I didn't get a sense at all of why she loved flying so much. Also, with the story, I feel like I was over the story about 150 pages in and that everything else just seemed redundant and tiring for the next 200 pages. Things started going by too fast and I didn't have enough time to become really invested in the characters before huge decisions were being made and time was moving forward. I ended up skimming through the last half of the book because I wasn't interested in their story anymore and just wanted to be done with it.
While the premise was promising, the end result was too heavy handed in the themes that made up the Jazz Age of the 20s. The pacing felt off and I didn't find myself caring for the characters as much as I wanted to. While I appreciated how the story emphasized how both America and England changed after the war in the 20s, the story just couldn't hold up for me.
January 5, 2015
I was captivated from page one by An American Duchess, and I really must admit that Sharon Page truly knows how to write an exceptional book with remarkable attention to historical detail. I found the time period fascinating, because the book takes place just a few years after World War I has ended. And in my honest opinion, this is a time period we don’t see often enough these days in romance. I also found it especially appealing how she revealed that the consequences of war are difficult to deal with even several years after the fact. The cast of characters were definitely interesting to say the very least, and as a whole I enjoyed them immensely. But for as much as I loved these aspects of this book, I regretfully must admit that parts of it were infuriating for me as well.
I know that three stars (truthfully it is a 3.5) does sound rather harsh when I absolutely adored the first 70% of this book. I honestly thought up to that point that it was really a fantastic read, but unfortunately I didn’t appreciate the direction the book took after that level was reached. I just felt that Nigel and Zoe went through something difficult for even the most established of relationships to endure, and that these two didn’t have a solid enough foundation to pull their way out of that black hole of despair they were both sent into… not once…but twice. The most disappointing aspect for me overall though, was that the heroine literally turns into the most aggravating selfish twit that I’ve ever had the displeasure of reading. (I know…strong emotions here, but I liked her and she upset me so I feel justified) She made decisions that were solely based upon what she desired while demonstrating nothing but careless disregard for her husband’s feelings. Because of this, I really detested Zoe towards the end of this book. I would have thought given all she had endured would lend my feelings towards the opposite and tug at my heartstrings, but it was really unfortunate that I couldn’t move past her careless actions to support her. The end result was that I didn't enjoy the last third of this book, and I nearly didn’t finish it.
Overall, I feel this story could have been much shorter and this would have not only strengthened the book as a whole, but it would have also prevented my negative feelings towards the end as well. I have no doubt in my mind that with a few tweaks here and there An American Duchess would have been a complete hit out of the ballpark for me, but sadly it struck out. I don’t want anyone to think that my review is completely negative here, because there is still quite a lot to love about a good deal of this story. I think you should judge the book for yourself in all honesty, because Page did an outstanding job up until the tipping point for me. As goes with all reviews, reading is subjective so definitely give this book a try and you might be surprised just how much you’ll enjoy it.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
You can catch this and more of my reviews on my blog
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews.
I know that three stars (truthfully it is a 3.5) does sound rather harsh when I absolutely adored the first 70% of this book. I honestly thought up to that point that it was really a fantastic read, but unfortunately I didn’t appreciate the direction the book took after that level was reached. I just felt that Nigel and Zoe went through something difficult for even the most established of relationships to endure, and that these two didn’t have a solid enough foundation to pull their way out of that black hole of despair they were both sent into… not once…but twice. The most disappointing aspect for me overall though, was that the heroine literally turns into the most aggravating selfish twit that I’ve ever had the displeasure of reading. (I know…strong emotions here, but I liked her and she upset me so I feel justified) She made decisions that were solely based upon what she desired while demonstrating nothing but careless disregard for her husband’s feelings. Because of this, I really detested Zoe towards the end of this book. I would have thought given all she had endured would lend my feelings towards the opposite and tug at my heartstrings, but it was really unfortunate that I couldn’t move past her careless actions to support her. The end result was that I didn't enjoy the last third of this book, and I nearly didn’t finish it.
Overall, I feel this story could have been much shorter and this would have not only strengthened the book as a whole, but it would have also prevented my negative feelings towards the end as well. I have no doubt in my mind that with a few tweaks here and there An American Duchess would have been a complete hit out of the ballpark for me, but sadly it struck out. I don’t want anyone to think that my review is completely negative here, because there is still quite a lot to love about a good deal of this story. I think you should judge the book for yourself in all honesty, because Page did an outstanding job up until the tipping point for me. As goes with all reviews, reading is subjective so definitely give this book a try and you might be surprised just how much you’ll enjoy it.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
You can catch this and more of my reviews on my blog
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews.
September 30, 2014
This is the first I’ve ever read of Sharon Page and I like her voice. The set-up is very Downton Abby-ish – a grand estate in England needs money. Enter our heroine, Zoe Gifford. From New York, Zoe’s mother is in some gambling debt and forged a check. Zoe has a ton of money in a trust fund, but the only way to access that fund, is if she gets married. Zoe is a very free-spirited New Yorker, who flies planes and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. One night while out, she meets a man named Sebastian and he agrees to marry Zoe as a ruse. He knows the estate and his brother, the Duke of Langford needs money, and Zoe needs a marriage to get her money. So they agree to marry, then will quietly divorce and everyone will be happy. But things aren’t that easy.
Zoe arrives in England to meet Sebastian’s family and she soon realizes marrying him may be complicated. Sebastian comes from a very rigid family steeped in old-English ways. They still dress in black-tie for dinner every night. The women are expected to marry well and become hostesses. They look upon Zoe as if she is an alien, flying planes and speaking inappropriately at dinner. The Duke of Langford aka Nigel, presents a very serious, dour character. Scarred from the war (both inside and out) he thinks Zoe is a ridiculous creature, but he is also totally intrigued. The way she speaks her mind and goes against all of his sturdy virtues.
The first half of the book deals with Zoe coming to England and falling for Nigel, and the second half is their struggle to bring a feisty New Yorker and a stodgy Englishman a happy ever after. Zoe is very, very forward, and I liked that about her for the most part. She encourages Nigel’s sister to live her own life. She brings spirit and energy into a family that is a little lost. I think at times she is a little too pushy for my taste, but overall she is a confident, independent woman. Nigel is all quiet and serious and it made for a fun opposites attract, match. There is very nice sexual tension and a build up to their relationship. While Zoe was originally supposed to marry Sebastian, his interests lead him to be attracted to men – so while he wants to do good by his family, it’s not the end of the world that Zoe ends their fake engagement.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, but I do feel like sometimes events are rushed – or maybe just the pacing was a little off as I read. There is conflict back in New York with the debts owed by Zoe’s mother that are glossed over a bit. The second half deals with how ready Zoe is to have sex every single day because she is a newlywed and how improper that is for Nigel. He gets embarrassed or doesn’t want to display too much public affection due to manners. They clash a lot. There is some other drama brought in and I just felt the entire end was rushed and a little too dramatic for my tastes. I sometimes felt Zoe was a little too selfish in her own ways and makes Nigel feel bad for not conforming to her more outlandish ways. I wanted her to be a little more patient.
Otherwise a nice read – I’ll definitely read the next by this author.
Rating: B-
Zoe arrives in England to meet Sebastian’s family and she soon realizes marrying him may be complicated. Sebastian comes from a very rigid family steeped in old-English ways. They still dress in black-tie for dinner every night. The women are expected to marry well and become hostesses. They look upon Zoe as if she is an alien, flying planes and speaking inappropriately at dinner. The Duke of Langford aka Nigel, presents a very serious, dour character. Scarred from the war (both inside and out) he thinks Zoe is a ridiculous creature, but he is also totally intrigued. The way she speaks her mind and goes against all of his sturdy virtues.
The first half of the book deals with Zoe coming to England and falling for Nigel, and the second half is their struggle to bring a feisty New Yorker and a stodgy Englishman a happy ever after. Zoe is very, very forward, and I liked that about her for the most part. She encourages Nigel’s sister to live her own life. She brings spirit and energy into a family that is a little lost. I think at times she is a little too pushy for my taste, but overall she is a confident, independent woman. Nigel is all quiet and serious and it made for a fun opposites attract, match. There is very nice sexual tension and a build up to their relationship. While Zoe was originally supposed to marry Sebastian, his interests lead him to be attracted to men – so while he wants to do good by his family, it’s not the end of the world that Zoe ends their fake engagement.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, but I do feel like sometimes events are rushed – or maybe just the pacing was a little off as I read. There is conflict back in New York with the debts owed by Zoe’s mother that are glossed over a bit. The second half deals with how ready Zoe is to have sex every single day because she is a newlywed and how improper that is for Nigel. He gets embarrassed or doesn’t want to display too much public affection due to manners. They clash a lot. There is some other drama brought in and I just felt the entire end was rushed and a little too dramatic for my tastes. I sometimes felt Zoe was a little too selfish in her own ways and makes Nigel feel bad for not conforming to her more outlandish ways. I wanted her to be a little more patient.
Otherwise a nice read – I’ll definitely read the next by this author.
Rating: B-
October 23, 2014
In the year of 1922, the Jazz Age is in full swing. For a young New York heiress, the year brings many promises. She discovers that her father's will prohibits her from accessing his fortune unless she is married. Very brazen and stubborn, Zoe arranges for a brief marriage with a British family sorely in need of a benefactor.
Once she arrives in England, her plan to wed Sebastian Hazelton and divorce quickly proves to be more difficult than she thought. Sebastian's older brother Nigel, Duke of Langford is a very imposing man. Still waging an internal battle after the Great War, Nigel fights against everything that Zoe stands for.
When circumstances compel Zoe to marry Nigel rather than Sebastian, their heated quarrelling begets passion of another sort. But with Nigel unwilling to change with the times, will Zoe be forced to choose between her husband and her dreams?
Usually I'm all for historical romances, but this one wasn't for me. Honestly, I was hoping for far more world building. One of my favorite time periods to read about is the 1920s but I never really got fully immersed into this book. On top of that, the characters never came off as believable. They were either overtly extreme or completely flat.
The thing with this genre is that you have to connect to the story. And that just didn't happen for me, in fact got worse. About half way through the novel, after the wedding, it really got flat. I absolutely could not get into the romance. And since this was the forefront of this novel, it became a struggle to read. Unfortunately, in the end I can't recommend this one.
*Won in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
Once she arrives in England, her plan to wed Sebastian Hazelton and divorce quickly proves to be more difficult than she thought. Sebastian's older brother Nigel, Duke of Langford is a very imposing man. Still waging an internal battle after the Great War, Nigel fights against everything that Zoe stands for.
When circumstances compel Zoe to marry Nigel rather than Sebastian, their heated quarrelling begets passion of another sort. But with Nigel unwilling to change with the times, will Zoe be forced to choose between her husband and her dreams?
Usually I'm all for historical romances, but this one wasn't for me. Honestly, I was hoping for far more world building. One of my favorite time periods to read about is the 1920s but I never really got fully immersed into this book. On top of that, the characters never came off as believable. They were either overtly extreme or completely flat.
The thing with this genre is that you have to connect to the story. And that just didn't happen for me, in fact got worse. About half way through the novel, after the wedding, it really got flat. I absolutely could not get into the romance. And since this was the forefront of this novel, it became a struggle to read. Unfortunately, in the end I can't recommend this one.
*Won in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
February 4, 2017
This was such a fun read and could have easily ended half way through and been a great HEA but the author did so much more with this story. It has a "Downton Abbish" vibe that had me missing the Grantham family but was so much deeper with the repercussions of the War affecting so many characters in the book in tragic ways. It wasn't all fun, lavish parties and beautiful clothes, but a combination with the loss and horrors of the war. I love historicals from the 1920's and you get to see England, New York and California during this era which is always fascinating to me.
My only fault with the book were the main characters, though I loved both Nigel and Zoe, I felt like both were a bit over the top. Nigel was deeply in love with Zoe but ended up hurting her time after time with his unbending upper crust British coldness when he was trying to "protect" her. Possibly as an American, I saw this as slightly abusive rather than protective. And Zoe was pretty unbending herself and rather selfish. Yes she was only 20 but I think the two of them could have compromised a bit more. But then alas, it is a story not real life.
Still, this book managed to captivate me over two days and ultimately one I'd definitely recommend. Off to snag a copy of book two, has a murder mystery with it.
My only fault with the book were the main characters, though I loved both Nigel and Zoe, I felt like both were a bit over the top. Nigel was deeply in love with Zoe but ended up hurting her time after time with his unbending upper crust British coldness when he was trying to "protect" her. Possibly as an American, I saw this as slightly abusive rather than protective. And Zoe was pretty unbending herself and rather selfish. Yes she was only 20 but I think the two of them could have compromised a bit more. But then alas, it is a story not real life.
Still, this book managed to captivate me over two days and ultimately one I'd definitely recommend. Off to snag a copy of book two, has a murder mystery with it.
November 9, 2014
I have never read anything by this author. I picked up this book because it sounded good and I have been lucky thus far. Every book that I have read in the 1920's era have been great. This book was no exception. I could not stop reading it. I loved Zoe's feisty attitude. She kept things entertaining. Then there was Nigel. He was more reserved. However as the story moved along and he spent more time with Zoe, she broke down his walls and he opened up. It was a very human progression. Zoe and Nigel are like Ying and Yang. They are meant to be together. However they were not the only stars in this book. The rest of them were as well. They each helped tell the story. Although, I was so emotionally attached to Zoe and Nigel's story that I was rooting for them as well then they were going through their bad times and cheering for them during the good times.
August 29, 2017
Such a sweet story - I'd almost forgotten about this one! Read this back in 2015 and I recall devouring it. The change from Regency historical to the Roaring 20s was entertaining and refreshing, especially with so much going on at the time!
I loved Zoe's character so much! She was exactly what Nigel needed and their eventual romance was, in my humble opinion, toe-curlingly sweet! Like any good American, Nigel's autocratic, alpha tendencies rubbed me on the raw, but it was just a part of his character development and, I think you'll find, the end definitely justified the mean! I loved how Zoe and Nigel went from butting heads at every turn to the love that resulted. And what I enjoyed the most was that the book continued on after the wedding - something you don't get very often. And just check out that cover! Epic, epic tale - Oh my bleeding heart!
I loved Zoe's character so much! She was exactly what Nigel needed and their eventual romance was, in my humble opinion, toe-curlingly sweet! Like any good American, Nigel's autocratic, alpha tendencies rubbed me on the raw, but it was just a part of his character development and, I think you'll find, the end definitely justified the mean! I loved how Zoe and Nigel went from butting heads at every turn to the love that resulted. And what I enjoyed the most was that the book continued on after the wedding - something you don't get very often. And just check out that cover! Epic, epic tale - Oh my bleeding heart!
November 1, 2014
3.5 stars
I had so much fun reading this book. Was it historically accurate? No. Is it kind of a Downton rip off? Yes. Did it sometimes drive me crazy? Yes. BUT, it was so much fun! If you are looking for a spunky female lead and a fun time in the 1920s and 1930s you should definitely give this book a read.
The basic idea of the story is that Zoe, an American heiress, needs to marry to inherit a fortune her father left her so she makes a deal with a British aristocrat that would benefit both of them. But when Zoe goes to England to prepare to marry Sebastian she runs into his older brother who thinks the marriage is a terrible idea and that Zoe is headstrong and too modern. But then, kind of unbelievably, Nigel, the curmudgeonly brother, ends up falling for Zoe and the two of them get married.
Part of what I loved so much about this book was that Zoe and Nigel were married pretty early on which allowed Sharon Page to really explore their characters and their relationship. Zoe is very much a forward-thinker and a modern woman (which, again, was kind of unbelievable) and Nigel is definitely stuck in the past (way more believable). By having them get married so early on Page avoided some of that annoying back and forth about will they or won't they. Their relationship was also deeper than I expected and at times more tragic.
As fun as the story was and as entertaining as the characters were, the story did lose me towards the end. It got very melodramatic and I didn't love the actions of Zoe or Nigel towards the end or who their characters turned into.
Bottom Line: Even though the end of the story kind of lost me the rest of An American Duchess
was just so much fun. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy this probably isn't the book for you, but if you're a fan of Downton Abbey who loves feisty women and stuffy aristocrats you must give this a read.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
I had so much fun reading this book. Was it historically accurate? No. Is it kind of a Downton rip off? Yes. Did it sometimes drive me crazy? Yes. BUT, it was so much fun! If you are looking for a spunky female lead and a fun time in the 1920s and 1930s you should definitely give this book a read.
The basic idea of the story is that Zoe, an American heiress, needs to marry to inherit a fortune her father left her so she makes a deal with a British aristocrat that would benefit both of them. But when Zoe goes to England to prepare to marry Sebastian she runs into his older brother who thinks the marriage is a terrible idea and that Zoe is headstrong and too modern. But then, kind of unbelievably, Nigel, the curmudgeonly brother, ends up falling for Zoe and the two of them get married.
Part of what I loved so much about this book was that Zoe and Nigel were married pretty early on which allowed Sharon Page to really explore their characters and their relationship. Zoe is very much a forward-thinker and a modern woman (which, again, was kind of unbelievable) and Nigel is definitely stuck in the past (way more believable). By having them get married so early on Page avoided some of that annoying back and forth about will they or won't they. Their relationship was also deeper than I expected and at times more tragic.
As fun as the story was and as entertaining as the characters were, the story did lose me towards the end. It got very melodramatic and I didn't love the actions of Zoe or Nigel towards the end or who their characters turned into.
Bottom Line: Even though the end of the story kind of lost me the rest of An American Duchess
was just so much fun. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy this probably isn't the book for you, but if you're a fan of Downton Abbey who loves feisty women and stuffy aristocrats you must give this a read.
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2014
I received this ARC in a giveaway on goodreads hosted by, harlequin books.
The author, Sharon Page, is a gifted writer and story teller. I connected with her in the very beginning of her dedication stating her love for this era.
This book, An American Duchess is about a love story and how trials in which we face can effect us and those around us.
In the beginning we meet the American named, Zoe and her mother Annabelle Gifford. Traveling to the home called, Brideswell in England to meet her fiance Sebastian who later on you find out isn't what he appears to be and I won't spoil it all so she can marry and unlock her trust fund which holds millions in order to save her some what in my opinion annoying and selfish mother from her mistake.
After losing her former lover, Richmond. Zoe has not yet had time to grieve and then we meet, Nigel who is Sebastians brother the Duke and instantly there forms a interest between the two.
Now, Zoe is what you would call a headstrong, spirited, take no crap from anybody and gives Nigel a run for his money type, especially for back in the day where it is unheard of. Nigel is a old fashioned stuck in his stubborn ways gentleman and suffers from shell shock from the war he took place in and suffers reoccurring nightmares to where It effects his relationship with everyone.
I love how real this story is and how the characters in this book came to life through the pages. I was laughing and at some parts holding in tears. I'm so happy that I won this lovely book and got a chance to read it ahead of time.
readers will not be disappointed!
Sharon Page really delivers in this novel.
I left out spoilers so that readers will fall in love with the unknowing just as I did. This is a book that I will reread over and over.
The author, Sharon Page, is a gifted writer and story teller. I connected with her in the very beginning of her dedication stating her love for this era.
This book, An American Duchess is about a love story and how trials in which we face can effect us and those around us.
In the beginning we meet the American named, Zoe and her mother Annabelle Gifford. Traveling to the home called, Brideswell in England to meet her fiance Sebastian who later on you find out isn't what he appears to be and I won't spoil it all so she can marry and unlock her trust fund which holds millions in order to save her some what in my opinion annoying and selfish mother from her mistake.
After losing her former lover, Richmond. Zoe has not yet had time to grieve and then we meet, Nigel who is Sebastians brother the Duke and instantly there forms a interest between the two.
Now, Zoe is what you would call a headstrong, spirited, take no crap from anybody and gives Nigel a run for his money type, especially for back in the day where it is unheard of. Nigel is a old fashioned stuck in his stubborn ways gentleman and suffers from shell shock from the war he took place in and suffers reoccurring nightmares to where It effects his relationship with everyone.
I love how real this story is and how the characters in this book came to life through the pages. I was laughing and at some parts holding in tears. I'm so happy that I won this lovely book and got a chance to read it ahead of time.
readers will not be disappointed!
Sharon Page really delivers in this novel.
I left out spoilers so that readers will fall in love with the unknowing just as I did. This is a book that I will reread over and over.
March 6, 2016
Zoe Gifford, an American heiress, has it all, until her fiancé never returns from an airplane flight and is presumed dead. She is trying to start over, but her mother has gotten herself into some financial trouble. Her and her mother will suffer financial ruin if Zoe doesn't marry; she can't access her family's fortune unless she is married as per her father's will. In a alcohol induced whirlwind at a speakeasy, Zoe decides to marry Sebastian Hazelton, a British royal, who also needs money to help his family run their huge English estate. They know it's just an arrangement and will divorce shortly after; however, things get complicated when Zoe goes to England. For starers, Sebastian's brother, Nigel, is the Duke and is the complete opposite of his brother. He's uptight, old-school in his ways, and initially looks down upon Zoe. You see, Zoe is a "modern" woman. She flies airplanes, wears scandalous clothing, and speaks her mind, all of which Nigel isn't used to. Zoe makes ripples at Brideswell, Sebastian's family's estate, and even challenges Nigel to change with the times. With all of these different personalities living in one house; plus, a rushed engagement ensures major drama ensuing in An American Duchess by Sharon Page. Fans of the Roaring Twenties as well as Downton Abbey will appreciate this novel.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
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January 12, 2016"An American Duchess is a sweeping story that realistically depicts the trials and tribulations of a family picking up the pieces after World War I. Merging the flavor of Downton Abbey with her own special touches, Page crafts a vibrant novel and a dramatic love story with strong, well motivated characters and completely captures the angst and glamour of the era" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
The first word that comes to mind after reading this is "Wow." I've been saying every chance I get over the past ten years that we needed books written in different eras, such as the roaring 20's. I KNEW that wonderful stories could be written set during this turbulent time in history. It just screamed love story to me. Happy to say, "I was right!"
New money from America can save an old British family from ruin. Only the duke does not want his brother to marry the heiress. He wants everything to stay like it was before the war and the scars (PTSD) he received. However, when the fiesty American arrives, she sets him on fire. Yet another reason for his brother not to marry her! After a lot of emotional struggle, happiness is within reach for not only the H and h, but for their families as well. But Ms. Page keeps them searching for that elusive happiness, send them more pain to deal with, making the HEA a prize hrad faught for. Excellent storytelling set in a provocative time era. Highly recommend! ~ Kim
The first word that comes to mind after reading this is "Wow." I've been saying every chance I get over the past ten years that we needed books written in different eras, such as the roaring 20's. I KNEW that wonderful stories could be written set during this turbulent time in history. It just screamed love story to me. Happy to say, "I was right!"
New money from America can save an old British family from ruin. Only the duke does not want his brother to marry the heiress. He wants everything to stay like it was before the war and the scars (PTSD) he received. However, when the fiesty American arrives, she sets him on fire. Yet another reason for his brother not to marry her! After a lot of emotional struggle, happiness is within reach for not only the H and h, but for their families as well. But Ms. Page keeps them searching for that elusive happiness, send them more pain to deal with, making the HEA a prize hrad faught for. Excellent storytelling set in a provocative time era. Highly recommend! ~ Kim
January 29, 2016
A time of great change but the old ways are hard to let go of.
Zoe comes to England to marry to help her mother out of debt by gaining access to her inheritance. The arrangement she makes with Sebastian will benefit his family as well. The completely modern and fresh Zoe challenges Nigel, Sebastian's brother and the Duke, to his absolute limits. He is comfortable with life remaining the same as it is safe after experiencing the horrors of war. Zoe pushes him outside his comfort zone, with her strength of character to stand against convention.
The contrast between Zoe and Nigel is stark as old money meets new. Can the effervescent Zoe bring Nigel out of the past to embrace the future?
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I felt completely immersed in the time period and could feel the frustrations of Zoe and Nigel come off the page at the time they were living in. The writing was sharp and the dialogue witty and flowed smoothly, as well as capturing the attitudes of the time perfectly. It was, however, the contrast between Zoe and Nigel that made this a highly enjoyable read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Zoe comes to England to marry to help her mother out of debt by gaining access to her inheritance. The arrangement she makes with Sebastian will benefit his family as well. The completely modern and fresh Zoe challenges Nigel, Sebastian's brother and the Duke, to his absolute limits. He is comfortable with life remaining the same as it is safe after experiencing the horrors of war. Zoe pushes him outside his comfort zone, with her strength of character to stand against convention.
The contrast between Zoe and Nigel is stark as old money meets new. Can the effervescent Zoe bring Nigel out of the past to embrace the future?
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I felt completely immersed in the time period and could feel the frustrations of Zoe and Nigel come off the page at the time they were living in. The writing was sharp and the dialogue witty and flowed smoothly, as well as capturing the attitudes of the time perfectly. It was, however, the contrast between Zoe and Nigel that made this a highly enjoyable read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
March 15, 2015
Sharon Page's AN AMERICAN DUCHESS sweeps the reader into the racy Roaring Twenties. An American heiress has to a marry before she can inherit the millions her father left her, so when she meets an aristocrat in dire need of money to save his ancestral home, they devise a plan. Zoe Gifford moves to England intent on marrying Sebastian Hazelton, securing a happy financial future for the them both, and then divorcing as soon as possible. The problem is her groom's brother, the Duke of Langford, is outraged by the idea of it, plus he finds the scandalous young woman very attractive despite her brazen outfits, wild dancing at Jazz clubs, and the fact that she flies airplanes.
This historical romance is so well written that I could almost hear the Jazz band and see Zoe dance the Charleston. The characters are trying to find their place in a rapidly changing world as they get over their great losses from WWI, so the story is often bittersweet, but with a truly beautiful love story between a flapper and a battle-scarred duke.
This historical romance is so well written that I could almost hear the Jazz band and see Zoe dance the Charleston. The characters are trying to find their place in a rapidly changing world as they get over their great losses from WWI, so the story is often bittersweet, but with a truly beautiful love story between a flapper and a battle-scarred duke.
October 5, 2016
There's a lot of reviews here that just give a light rehash of the plot. Ultimately it's about opposites attract, and then the "realness" after the HEA. In premise it's really good, and i think the first 2/3 leading up to the marriage are good, and even part of the last 3rd is good. But when the second "blow" hits I think the story derails a bit. The only "gone to America" part could have been avoided.
It's not a bad book, but not one that I loved. I felt Zoe was very much "I'M AMERICAN DO EVERYTHING THIS WAY!", and I'm just curious about the audience that this book was written for. As well, I found her to be a bit of a Mary-Sue. I really don't mind them, but when they have purple eyes, and do everything novel and amazing, and "fix" not only the life of her love-interest, but everyone around her (even the Dowager Duchess!) it can be a bit much.
I've won the sequel from Goodreads and I'm really looking forward to it, because I actually loved the character of Julia in this novel, to me, she was a good balance between Nigel and Zoe.
It's not a bad book, but not one that I loved. I felt Zoe was very much "I'M AMERICAN DO EVERYTHING THIS WAY!", and I'm just curious about the audience that this book was written for. As well, I found her to be a bit of a Mary-Sue. I really don't mind them, but when they have purple eyes, and do everything novel and amazing, and "fix" not only the life of her love-interest, but everyone around her (even the Dowager Duchess!) it can be a bit much.
I've won the sequel from Goodreads and I'm really looking forward to it, because I actually loved the character of Julia in this novel, to me, she was a good balance between Nigel and Zoe.
November 5, 2015
First in a series, the story follows American Zoe Gifford who agrees to an arranged marriage with the second son of a British peer--to obtain access to her inheritance and to help him save his family's estate following the end of WWI.
Too bad Zoe decides he's not the one for her--especially when she concludes she will only wed for love and hang the consequences. Who she then chooses is both scandalous and endearing. I won't tell you why.
Older brother Nigel does not want Zoe to marry his disolute brother, but how can he stop Zoe when all they do is argue? A kind of Downton Abbey on paper though with most of the focus upstairs, the story takes the reader on an adventure in understanding the many ways in which the War to End All Wars changed not only the face of Europe, but the people who lived there.
Too bad Zoe decides he's not the one for her--especially when she concludes she will only wed for love and hang the consequences. Who she then chooses is both scandalous and endearing. I won't tell you why.
Older brother Nigel does not want Zoe to marry his disolute brother, but how can he stop Zoe when all they do is argue? A kind of Downton Abbey on paper though with most of the focus upstairs, the story takes the reader on an adventure in understanding the many ways in which the War to End All Wars changed not only the face of Europe, but the people who lived there.
August 23, 2017
DNF. I just could not force myself to complete this book...not even a little bit. I got to about the first third when Zoe and Nigel get their first scene and talk about a rip off. If I met Zoe in real life I'd want to punch her in the face. What an utterly obnoxious and disgusting person she is. Totally without couth, tact, or even style. She is just a self centered nag who berates and annoys everyone around her to get what she wants. I was literally hoping something horrible would happen to her. I had to put the book down. After 3 days of sitting on my nightstand I decided I just could not force myself to continue reading.
I received this ARC for my honest and unbiased review.
I received this ARC for my honest and unbiased review.
November 22, 2015
This was an engrossing story. However, I didn't love it. The hero had to do most of the changing while the heroine threw a tantrum. It felt like the hero wasn't true to himself while the heroine didn't mature. Many mistakes were made by both and I wasn't satisfied with how they were resolved.
There are some sex scenes and they last a page or two. There are also homosexual and lesbian relationships mentioned but don't go into more detail than kissing.
Mature content, m/m, f/f
There are some sex scenes and they last a page or two. There are also homosexual and lesbian relationships mentioned but don't go into more detail than kissing.
Mature content, m/m, f/f
August 14, 2014
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley. I enjoyed it very much. It's a lighter read, a bit of Downton Abbey mixed up with some steamyish love scenes. The protagonist, Zoe, is a likable character who is very much a trailblazer for her time. Highly recommended for fans of Daisy Goodwin and Beatriz Williams, whose books have a similar feel.
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