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The Duke's Unexpected Bride
From country miss to London duchess!
Sophie Trevelyan has been enjoying her visit to London, even if her closest companion is an overweight pug! Then she encounters the dashing Duke of Harcourt, who intrigues her more than is strictly proper
Max knows he must marry. He's looking for the opposite of his high-spirited fiancee, who died some years ago, so he tries to keep his distance from bubbly Sophie. But when her life is endangered, Max feels compelled to rescue her with a very unexpected proposal!
Sophie Trevelyan has been enjoying her visit to London, even if her closest companion is an overweight pug! Then she encounters the dashing Duke of Harcourt, who intrigues her more than is strictly proper
Max knows he must marry. He's looking for the opposite of his high-spirited fiancee, who died some years ago, so he tries to keep his distance from bubbly Sophie. But when her life is endangered, Max feels compelled to rescue her with a very unexpected proposal!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 18, 2017
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May 2, 2017
In The Duke’s Unexpected Bride, Lara Temple has created a charming and entertaining riff on the “stuffy aristocrat meets breath-of-fresh-air heroine” trope in which the hero and heroine find themselves unexpectedly betrothed and having to find a way to reconcile their very opposite personalities.
Miss Sophie Trevelyan is enjoying the temporary escape from her overcrowded family home in the country afforded by her current visit to London to act as companion to her eccentric Aunt Minnie. Her aunt rarely rises from her bed so there is little for Sophie to do, but she is nonetheless enjoying having space and time to herself for a change, and is determined to beat the previous record for a Stay With Aunt Minnie (two weeks) set by one of her cousins.
Deciding that one of the most likely ways to earn her aunt’s approbation will be to take care of her overweight pug, Sophie manages to coax the dog out of the house and get him to waddle across to the gardens opposite her aunt’s town house, where, in spite of his bulk, he promptly discovers a liking for chasing birds. Unfortunately, he gives her the slip, running right into the path of a fashionable couple out for a stroll, who turn out to be her aunt’s neighbours. Chatting happily away, explaining who she is, why she’s in the garden and apologising for the dog’s escape, Sophie doesn’t notice that the gentleman is rather taken aback at her lack of propriety in speaking thus to a couple of perfect strangers – and cheerfully makes her way home, thinking that the couple are the most elegant people she has ever seen.
Max, Duke of Harcourt is simultaneously fascinated and irritated by the young woman’s lack of decorum, finding her outspoken friendliness and the absence of any trace of artifice in her manner refreshing while also thinking her rather too forward. Realising she must be one of Lady Minerva Huntley’s many relations, Max’s sister, Lady Hetty, suggests she might call upon the her at some point, after which they resume their discussion about Max’s search for a bride.
Bound by a promise to his late father to marry by his thirty-first birthday, Max is seeking a wife who is the epitome of modest womanhood and correct behaviour, someone who will never cause him a moment’s unease – in short, a woman the complete opposite of his previous fiancée, who was unconventionally lively, impetuous and highly-strung. The betrothal ended tragically, and Max has eschewed anything and anyone that smacks of impulsiveness or recklessness ever since. Yet when, a day or so later, he sees the young woman with the pug sitting in the gardens, sketching, he finds himself stopping to speak with her. And when, the next day, he meets her on the street, apparently on the way to see the exhibition at the Royal Academy, he offers to take her there himself, he’s unable to account for his behaviour. They haven’t been properly introduced, he had absolutely no reason to converse with her and none – other than concern for her safety and reputation – to act as her escort. Max still doesn’t know whether to be annoyed or amused by Sophie’s lively conversation and her disregard for – or lack of knowledge of – proper behaviour, but there’s no question that he’s well and truly smitten.
Having seen some of Sophie’s sketches, Max already knows that she is a talented artist, but during their visit to the exhibition, and as their conversation begins to take a turn from the awkward to the mutually enjoyable, he also realises she’s intelligent, witty and insightful. He enjoys both the afternoon and her company, until they are approached by Lord Wivenhoe, who proceeds to flirt with Sophie, much to Max’s annoyance.
When the rumour mill starts grinding with the news of Max’s having escorted an unknown young woman about, he chastises himself for his impulsive behaviour. But he can’t seem to help himself around Sophie; something about her has utterly bewitched him and he thinks that the sooner he is married to a suitably demure, ladylike young woman, the better. The problem is, however, that the ladies whom he is considering for the position of his duchess have all begun to seem stiff and uninteresting, and although he tries to tell himself that his desire for Sophie is simply a momentary aberration, he can’t quite convince himself and determines that the safest course is to stay away from her.
This proves to be more difficult than he had anticipated, however, especially when Lord Wivehnoe seems determined to pursue Sophie, in spite – and probably because - of Max’s attempt to warn the man off. When Sophie is placed in a very uncomfortable situation, Max declares publicly that she’s his betrothed – and their fate is sealed. Max is torn. On the one hand, he’s appalled at the sort of rash behaviour he thought he’d left behind him long ago, and on the other, he’s pleased at the knowledge that Sophie is now his and that he will soon be able to slake his lust for her in all sorts of extremely pleasurable ways.
I admit that during the early stages of the story, I had reservations about both protagonists. I wasn’t wild about Sophie because her innocent, quirky, girl-from-the-country-who-doesn’t-know-what’s-what persona rang slightly false; and while Max is presented as the model of propriety, he is fairly quick to break his own rules when it comes to Sophie, spending time alone with her and escorting her about unchaperoned – all of which made it difficult to completely accept him as the uptight, stuffy aristocrat he is supposed to be. Fortunately, however, my apprehensions were quickly dispelled, because Sophie is revealed to be clever, self-aware and perceptive; she knows she’s not perfect but doesn’t feel the need to apologise for her shortcomings and is all the more likeable because of it. And as the story progresses, Ms. Temple clearly shows that Max is struggling to work out what he truly wants as opposed to what he thinks he wants. His insecurities about the past are impinging upon his present and he has to decide what type of man he wants to be; one who embraces his present and looks forward to the future, or one who allows his past to push him down a path which isn’t right for him. Ms. Temple does an admirable job of flipping the “sophisticated hero/innocent heroine” trope on its head here, by having Sophie’s empathy and love for Max take the lead in their relationship, gradually bringing him to see that he can’t continue to look back, and I loved watching him come to thoroughly appreciate Sophie’s unique personality and to realise that he loves her because of it, rather than in spite of it.
The one false note struck in the book is in the final plot twist, which is somewhat melodramatic, and felt like it had simply been included in order to introduce a bit of last minute tension into the story.
In spite of the reservations I’ve expressed, I enjoyed The Duke’s Unexpected Bride and would definitely recommend it to others. The romance is superbly developed, the chemistry between Max and Sophie is palpable and the love scenes are sensual and well-written. This is the second book I’ve read and enjoyed by Lara Temple, and she’s earned herself a place on my list of authors to watch.
Miss Sophie Trevelyan is enjoying the temporary escape from her overcrowded family home in the country afforded by her current visit to London to act as companion to her eccentric Aunt Minnie. Her aunt rarely rises from her bed so there is little for Sophie to do, but she is nonetheless enjoying having space and time to herself for a change, and is determined to beat the previous record for a Stay With Aunt Minnie (two weeks) set by one of her cousins.
Deciding that one of the most likely ways to earn her aunt’s approbation will be to take care of her overweight pug, Sophie manages to coax the dog out of the house and get him to waddle across to the gardens opposite her aunt’s town house, where, in spite of his bulk, he promptly discovers a liking for chasing birds. Unfortunately, he gives her the slip, running right into the path of a fashionable couple out for a stroll, who turn out to be her aunt’s neighbours. Chatting happily away, explaining who she is, why she’s in the garden and apologising for the dog’s escape, Sophie doesn’t notice that the gentleman is rather taken aback at her lack of propriety in speaking thus to a couple of perfect strangers – and cheerfully makes her way home, thinking that the couple are the most elegant people she has ever seen.
Max, Duke of Harcourt is simultaneously fascinated and irritated by the young woman’s lack of decorum, finding her outspoken friendliness and the absence of any trace of artifice in her manner refreshing while also thinking her rather too forward. Realising she must be one of Lady Minerva Huntley’s many relations, Max’s sister, Lady Hetty, suggests she might call upon the her at some point, after which they resume their discussion about Max’s search for a bride.
Bound by a promise to his late father to marry by his thirty-first birthday, Max is seeking a wife who is the epitome of modest womanhood and correct behaviour, someone who will never cause him a moment’s unease – in short, a woman the complete opposite of his previous fiancée, who was unconventionally lively, impetuous and highly-strung. The betrothal ended tragically, and Max has eschewed anything and anyone that smacks of impulsiveness or recklessness ever since. Yet when, a day or so later, he sees the young woman with the pug sitting in the gardens, sketching, he finds himself stopping to speak with her. And when, the next day, he meets her on the street, apparently on the way to see the exhibition at the Royal Academy, he offers to take her there himself, he’s unable to account for his behaviour. They haven’t been properly introduced, he had absolutely no reason to converse with her and none – other than concern for her safety and reputation – to act as her escort. Max still doesn’t know whether to be annoyed or amused by Sophie’s lively conversation and her disregard for – or lack of knowledge of – proper behaviour, but there’s no question that he’s well and truly smitten.
Having seen some of Sophie’s sketches, Max already knows that she is a talented artist, but during their visit to the exhibition, and as their conversation begins to take a turn from the awkward to the mutually enjoyable, he also realises she’s intelligent, witty and insightful. He enjoys both the afternoon and her company, until they are approached by Lord Wivenhoe, who proceeds to flirt with Sophie, much to Max’s annoyance.
When the rumour mill starts grinding with the news of Max’s having escorted an unknown young woman about, he chastises himself for his impulsive behaviour. But he can’t seem to help himself around Sophie; something about her has utterly bewitched him and he thinks that the sooner he is married to a suitably demure, ladylike young woman, the better. The problem is, however, that the ladies whom he is considering for the position of his duchess have all begun to seem stiff and uninteresting, and although he tries to tell himself that his desire for Sophie is simply a momentary aberration, he can’t quite convince himself and determines that the safest course is to stay away from her.
This proves to be more difficult than he had anticipated, however, especially when Lord Wivehnoe seems determined to pursue Sophie, in spite – and probably because - of Max’s attempt to warn the man off. When Sophie is placed in a very uncomfortable situation, Max declares publicly that she’s his betrothed – and their fate is sealed. Max is torn. On the one hand, he’s appalled at the sort of rash behaviour he thought he’d left behind him long ago, and on the other, he’s pleased at the knowledge that Sophie is now his and that he will soon be able to slake his lust for her in all sorts of extremely pleasurable ways.
I admit that during the early stages of the story, I had reservations about both protagonists. I wasn’t wild about Sophie because her innocent, quirky, girl-from-the-country-who-doesn’t-know-what’s-what persona rang slightly false; and while Max is presented as the model of propriety, he is fairly quick to break his own rules when it comes to Sophie, spending time alone with her and escorting her about unchaperoned – all of which made it difficult to completely accept him as the uptight, stuffy aristocrat he is supposed to be. Fortunately, however, my apprehensions were quickly dispelled, because Sophie is revealed to be clever, self-aware and perceptive; she knows she’s not perfect but doesn’t feel the need to apologise for her shortcomings and is all the more likeable because of it. And as the story progresses, Ms. Temple clearly shows that Max is struggling to work out what he truly wants as opposed to what he thinks he wants. His insecurities about the past are impinging upon his present and he has to decide what type of man he wants to be; one who embraces his present and looks forward to the future, or one who allows his past to push him down a path which isn’t right for him. Ms. Temple does an admirable job of flipping the “sophisticated hero/innocent heroine” trope on its head here, by having Sophie’s empathy and love for Max take the lead in their relationship, gradually bringing him to see that he can’t continue to look back, and I loved watching him come to thoroughly appreciate Sophie’s unique personality and to realise that he loves her because of it, rather than in spite of it.
The one false note struck in the book is in the final plot twist, which is somewhat melodramatic, and felt like it had simply been included in order to introduce a bit of last minute tension into the story.
In spite of the reservations I’ve expressed, I enjoyed The Duke’s Unexpected Bride and would definitely recommend it to others. The romance is superbly developed, the chemistry between Max and Sophie is palpable and the love scenes are sensual and well-written. This is the second book I’ve read and enjoyed by Lara Temple, and she’s earned herself a place on my list of authors to watch.
July 4, 2019
2.5 stars
April 15, 2021
I haven't been reading much HR lately. Forced to stick to PNR and CR, I was despairing of finding a well-written, enjoyable HR, because there is so much out there that is poorly written and ill-conceived. Then I stumbled upon this one.
The writing was excellent- no malapropisms, grammar mistakes or inappropriate modernisms/Americanisms plonked into a Regency period story.
And the story was interesting- I didn't stop reading it until it was finished.
Finally, the characterisation was terrific.
Sophie, our delightfully sweet (yet surprisingly passionate) heroine was quirky without being ridiculous, compassionate and empathetic without being a pushover, and an independent, original thinker who did not allow herself to be steamrolled by the somewhat intimidating hero, Max.
Max himself started out as somewhat unlikeable and rigid, but Sophie's warmth and her positivity gradually melted the ice. The author also did a good job of slowly revealing why Max was the way he was, and when the deep emotions he had buried for many years were finally able to surface, he was quite a revelation.
(Is it wrong of me to say I miss this guy?)
Importantly, I got the tingly, butterfly feelings in my tummy that I get when I have a strong emotional response to a story , and I haven't had those in an HR for a long time. (I think the last time was in Julie Anne Long's Angel in a Devil's Arms)
I wouldn't say the plot is particularly complicated, but if you enjoy a well-written, emotional, relationship-based HR, with a couple of tastefully written sexy times thrown in (they were betrothed by this stage), this one just might do the trick!
The writing was excellent- no malapropisms, grammar mistakes or inappropriate modernisms/Americanisms plonked into a Regency period story.
And the story was interesting- I didn't stop reading it until it was finished.
Finally, the characterisation was terrific.
Sophie, our delightfully sweet (yet surprisingly passionate) heroine was quirky without being ridiculous, compassionate and empathetic without being a pushover, and an independent, original thinker who did not allow herself to be steamrolled by the somewhat intimidating hero, Max.
Max himself started out as somewhat unlikeable and rigid, but Sophie's warmth and her positivity gradually melted the ice. The author also did a good job of slowly revealing why Max was the way he was, and when the deep emotions he had buried for many years were finally able to surface, he was quite a revelation.
(Is it wrong of me to say I miss this guy?)
Importantly, I got the tingly, butterfly feelings in my tummy that I get when I have a strong emotional response to a story , and I haven't had those in an HR for a long time. (I think the last time was in Julie Anne Long's Angel in a Devil's Arms)
I wouldn't say the plot is particularly complicated, but if you enjoy a well-written, emotional, relationship-based HR, with a couple of tastefully written sexy times thrown in (they were betrothed by this stage), this one just might do the trick!
April 1, 2017
This is a classy, well put together and superbly entertaining book about how people who are so different can find love in the most unexpected places. Sophie and Max or a joy to get to know, I also love the third main character in the tale; Marmaduke, the fat, temperamental and spoilt pug who is such a fabulous addition to the story, it is one of those homely and everyday details that everyone can relate to. I do like Lara’s work, she writes solid and strong Historical Romance which can be enjoyed across the generations.
This was an ARC complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordp...
This was an ARC complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordp...
June 27, 2019
(2.5 stars) I just finished reading Temple's THE EARL'S IRRESISTIBLE CHALLENGE and was so impressed by it that I went looking for more HRs by her to read. All I can say is that this one was a disappointment. Just a typical, run-of-the-mill HR. Yes, the writing is better than that of many HR authors, but that didn't offset the indifferent plot, slow and repetitious development of the romance, and annoying, self-centered hero. Not even Marmaduke, overweight, self-serving, but adorably entertaining pug, improved the read by much.
Heroine Sophie Trevelyan, vicar's daughter, is in London as companion to her eccentric Aunt Minerva. Aunt Minerva frequently brings country relatives to town, more or less keeping them "prisoner" in her house to entertain her, and none has lasted longer than two weeks in her company. Sophie is looking to break that 2-week record set by one of her relatives and it seems that the best way to do it is by getting fat and lethargic Marmaduke out for exercise.
And that's how Sophie meets the Duke of Harcourt, Max, dubbed the "Stone Duke" because of a past tragic romance (naturally) which leaves him incapable of and indifferent to love (naturally), and Max's married sister Hettie, who is visiting Max to get him married off. It's about time now. That tragedy was 10 years ago.
Sophie is irrepressible, unsophisticated, too talkative, innocent, friendly, and compassionate. She's hard for repressed Max to resist, but he puts up a great effort throughout the book. Lordy, what a self-centered, self-involved, slightly douchey guy.
Max's past involving his deceased fiancee Serena comes to the center of the story because Serena's former lover tries to involve himself with Sophie. There's resentment, blame, and revenge here, enough for everybody to feel righteous indignation and self-pity. Even Serena's father will get into the act. And poor innocent, blameless Sophie is stuck in the middle.
Well, love will triumph in the end and the mystery regarding Serena's death will be revealed, but Max had shown himself to be a big enough jerk that I was hoping for some other White Knight to come along and ride away into the sunset with Sophie (and Marmaduke).
Heroine Sophie Trevelyan, vicar's daughter, is in London as companion to her eccentric Aunt Minerva. Aunt Minerva frequently brings country relatives to town, more or less keeping them "prisoner" in her house to entertain her, and none has lasted longer than two weeks in her company. Sophie is looking to break that 2-week record set by one of her relatives and it seems that the best way to do it is by getting fat and lethargic Marmaduke out for exercise.
And that's how Sophie meets the Duke of Harcourt, Max, dubbed the "Stone Duke" because of a past tragic romance (naturally) which leaves him incapable of and indifferent to love (naturally), and Max's married sister Hettie, who is visiting Max to get him married off. It's about time now. That tragedy was 10 years ago.
Sophie is irrepressible, unsophisticated, too talkative, innocent, friendly, and compassionate. She's hard for repressed Max to resist, but he puts up a great effort throughout the book. Lordy, what a self-centered, self-involved, slightly douchey guy.
Max's past involving his deceased fiancee Serena comes to the center of the story because Serena's former lover tries to involve himself with Sophie. There's resentment, blame, and revenge here, enough for everybody to feel righteous indignation and self-pity. Even Serena's father will get into the act. And poor innocent, blameless Sophie is stuck in the middle.
Well, love will triumph in the end and the mystery regarding Serena's death will be revealed, but Max had shown himself to be a big enough jerk that I was hoping for some other White Knight to come along and ride away into the sunset with Sophie (and Marmaduke).
February 21, 2020
It’s close to 4.5 stars
This story grabbed me from the first original meeting of our main characters.
It was thoroughly enjoyable watching these very opposite characters fall in love. I admire the complexity and understanding that Lara Temple writes her characters. Sophie even though she is passionate and unusual in her perception of the world, an artist, she is also self aware of herself and not this dreamer of a character that we so often see in romance.
Max is the opposite, man with deep emotions who is used to being practical, cold and rational. He is set on choosing a bride for himself in this exact rational way until his emotional side takes over.
“‘And is there? I mean...are you attracted to me at all?’
He could hardly believe that question needed to be asked after the embrace they had shared and the way he felt right now, with the heat swirling inside him, like a furious genie trapped in a bottle, demanding release and threatening havoc. But he just nodded and answered in the same direct coin she employed.
‘Yes. Very much. And you?’
‘Yes...’ she breathed, heat staining her cheeks again. ‘That’s good, isn’t it? If we are to be married?’
‘Yes. Very good.’”
I love love love this simple exchange. It wonderfully expresses a need of lovers to affirm with words the common attraction. Especially, after a first kiss when both parties are astounded by what happened.
My reason for one star down was the end (again). It just didn’t feel satisfying. I wanted them to have more easy happy time together.
This story grabbed me from the first original meeting of our main characters.
It was thoroughly enjoyable watching these very opposite characters fall in love. I admire the complexity and understanding that Lara Temple writes her characters. Sophie even though she is passionate and unusual in her perception of the world, an artist, she is also self aware of herself and not this dreamer of a character that we so often see in romance.
Max is the opposite, man with deep emotions who is used to being practical, cold and rational. He is set on choosing a bride for himself in this exact rational way until his emotional side takes over.
“‘And is there? I mean...are you attracted to me at all?’
He could hardly believe that question needed to be asked after the embrace they had shared and the way he felt right now, with the heat swirling inside him, like a furious genie trapped in a bottle, demanding release and threatening havoc. But he just nodded and answered in the same direct coin she employed.
‘Yes. Very much. And you?’
‘Yes...’ she breathed, heat staining her cheeks again. ‘That’s good, isn’t it? If we are to be married?’
‘Yes. Very good.’”
I love love love this simple exchange. It wonderfully expresses a need of lovers to affirm with words the common attraction. Especially, after a first kiss when both parties are astounded by what happened.
My reason for one star down was the end (again). It just didn’t feel satisfying. I wanted them to have more easy happy time together.
May 4, 2017
I don't believe in guilty pleasures (love what you love and own it), but if I did Regency Romance would be mine - since I first became acquainted with Georgette Heyer as a 15 year old.
This is the first Lara Temple I've read and I have already added her backlist to my wishlist! What an absolutely glorious read - a perfect mix of fun steamy romance and dark backstory.
Sophie is a delight - reminding me of myself with her need to blurt out whatever comes into her head - and Max is romantic hero perfection in my eyes; overly passionate beneath a very buttoned up exterior and, as Sophie herself puts it "so unfairly male" (sigh....*heart eye emojis*).
A wonderfully romantic read - 5 big stars! Current status: hopelessly in love with the Duke of Harcourt.
This is the first Lara Temple I've read and I have already added her backlist to my wishlist! What an absolutely glorious read - a perfect mix of fun steamy romance and dark backstory.
Sophie is a delight - reminding me of myself with her need to blurt out whatever comes into her head - and Max is romantic hero perfection in my eyes; overly passionate beneath a very buttoned up exterior and, as Sophie herself puts it "so unfairly male" (sigh....*heart eye emojis*).
A wonderfully romantic read - 5 big stars! Current status: hopelessly in love with the Duke of Harcourt.
December 31, 2022
5⭐️
Tiesą sakant, istoriniai romanai nėra mano mėgstamiausi, bet šiais metais buvau sau pažadėjusi duoti jiems šansą. Po Lisa Kleypas romano visai sudomino ir kiti. Tad šis autorės romanas visai netikėtai atsidūrė mano pirkinių krepšelyje ir likau juo nenusivilusi. Kol kas esu jiems visiškai nepriekabi, tai skaitau visiškai švariomis naujomis alkanomis akimis ir mėgaujuosi.
Patiko šios istorijos linksmumas, Sofijos naivumas bet kartu ir moteriškumas, o Makso vyriškumas ir bandymas būti bejausmiu, bet viduje kovonačiu jausmų meškinu istoriją darė lengvą ir nesudėtingą. Žodžiu tikrai lengvas ir smagus istorinis romanas apie meilę ir jausmus. Nieko sudėtingo nerasite ir nereikia ieškoti. Tiesiog pasimėgauti vieno vakaro knyga 😊
Tiesą sakant, istoriniai romanai nėra mano mėgstamiausi, bet šiais metais buvau sau pažadėjusi duoti jiems šansą. Po Lisa Kleypas romano visai sudomino ir kiti. Tad šis autorės romanas visai netikėtai atsidūrė mano pirkinių krepšelyje ir likau juo nenusivilusi. Kol kas esu jiems visiškai nepriekabi, tai skaitau visiškai švariomis naujomis alkanomis akimis ir mėgaujuosi.
Patiko šios istorijos linksmumas, Sofijos naivumas bet kartu ir moteriškumas, o Makso vyriškumas ir bandymas būti bejausmiu, bet viduje kovonačiu jausmų meškinu istoriją darė lengvą ir nesudėtingą. Žodžiu tikrai lengvas ir smagus istorinis romanas apie meilę ir jausmus. Nieko sudėtingo nerasite ir nereikia ieškoti. Tiesiog pasimėgauti vieno vakaro knyga 😊
October 28, 2024
Įtraukianti, lengva istorija apie meilę, vykstanti XIX a. Anglijoje.
August 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I must admit, I have a pension for Dukes and I tend to lean towards them in the Historical Regency books. I can't help it. It's something about being the highest-ranking Alphahole (yes please) in the room and just lording over everybody. I just love it. haha
I am also a big fan of the whole "rags to riches" theme and I also love Unexpected marriages where something happens and they get thrown together. I must admit I am a heavy reader of a "wham bam thank you mam" sort of books haha.
But this book hit all my good places and I loved it. Lara Temple did not disappoint.
I am also a big fan of the whole "rags to riches" theme and I also love Unexpected marriages where something happens and they get thrown together. I must admit I am a heavy reader of a "wham bam thank you mam" sort of books haha.
But this book hit all my good places and I loved it. Lara Temple did not disappoint.
May 1, 2017
I am having some trouble putting my thoughts together about this book. I've never read Lara Temple before, but I love historical and Regency romance, so I couldn't say no to this one. On one hand, this was cute and hilarious, on another, it was pretty dark and disturbing. Actually, that is a pretty good description of the two mains.... Let me try to break it down for you.
The Story-
Sophie is a country-girl, staying with her wealthy aunt (? can't remember...a wealthy old lady that never shows up in the plot), and she has out-lasted other members of the family who came to stay due to her willingness to take care of the aunt's dog, Marmaduke. The pug is hilarious and is really another character in the story. Duke something-or-other, Max, runs into her on a walk with the dog and is captured by her enthusiasm and spirit. (Although he won't admit it for most of the book.) Max is dealing with some dark things that happened in his past, but is seemingly continually drawn to Sophie which leads to an engagement of convenience sort of thing.
My Thoughts-
The first half of the book is an enjoyable piece of fun and is a unique take on a Regency romance. The second half feels more like a book you've read, albeit with some twists and surprises, but it misses some of the joy in the beginning. The characters, especially Sophie, are masterfully developed, and the secondary characters make me want to look through this author's backlist to see if their stories have been told. I guess the somewhat dark turn of the plot threw me a bit considering I had been laughing at the highjinks of a pug getting his portrait painted in an earlier chapter.
The Bottom Line-
If you like dogs or humor in your historical romance, this is a no-brainer. If you like historical Regency romance, this is much better than many that are out there. The characters are well-written, and the story clicks right along. I will be reading more by this author and am going to check out her backlist now. 4 stars
The Story-
Sophie is a country-girl, staying with her wealthy aunt (? can't remember...a wealthy old lady that never shows up in the plot), and she has out-lasted other members of the family who came to stay due to her willingness to take care of the aunt's dog, Marmaduke. The pug is hilarious and is really another character in the story. Duke something-or-other, Max, runs into her on a walk with the dog and is captured by her enthusiasm and spirit. (Although he won't admit it for most of the book.) Max is dealing with some dark things that happened in his past, but is seemingly continually drawn to Sophie which leads to an engagement of convenience sort of thing.
My Thoughts-
The first half of the book is an enjoyable piece of fun and is a unique take on a Regency romance. The second half feels more like a book you've read, albeit with some twists and surprises, but it misses some of the joy in the beginning. The characters, especially Sophie, are masterfully developed, and the secondary characters make me want to look through this author's backlist to see if their stories have been told. I guess the somewhat dark turn of the plot threw me a bit considering I had been laughing at the highjinks of a pug getting his portrait painted in an earlier chapter.
The Bottom Line-
If you like dogs or humor in your historical romance, this is a no-brainer. If you like historical Regency romance, this is much better than many that are out there. The characters are well-written, and the story clicks right along. I will be reading more by this author and am going to check out her backlist now. 4 stars
May 17, 2017
Wow, I was captivated and intrigued with this story the moment I read the first line! Ms. Temple whisks you down an entertaining path and offers you a delicious reading treat where drama, humor and romance meld together to form an intoxicating read. Sophie is hilarious, spunky and I loved her antics every step of the way. Her sparring with Max and Marmaduke is pure gold! On the other hand, I found Max to be a reserved man yet beneath the façade he portrays to the world is a man who can make a good joke. His secrets add layers to his story and intrigue. I rooted for him from the start. And Marmaduke is the sweetest most hilarious pug ever!
‘Nothing. Not a quiver of his pudgy body. She knew he was awake because his eyes were open, but otherwise he might have been in a trance, his frog-like eyes fixed on the faded gold and crimson wallpaper, his backside defiantly pointed in her direction.’
One of my favorite paragraphs in the book is when Sophie sees Max for the first time. Of course she doesn’t know him at that point but the imagery that Ms. Temple paints is brilliant. I can actually visualize Max.
‘The woman, her dark hair tucked into a fashionable bonnet lined with lilac silk and dressed in a very dashing indigo military-style walking dress with silver facings, looked slightly shocked, but then she glanced up at the tall man beside her and giggled, an incongruous sound from someone so elegant. Sophie, having fully and rather enviously surveyed her fashionable clothes, turned her attention to the man and had the strange sensation of standing before a carefully and magnificently crafted statue of an avenging warrior.’
Avenging warrior? Swoon.
Final Verdict:
The Duke’s Unexpected Bride by Lara Temple is a fast-paced, engrossing historical romance that hooks you from page one. It is well-seasoned with a good dose of humor, raw emotions and engaging dialogue. Overall, it’s a well-written story with a HEA that’ll make you sigh with contentment.
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
April 2, 2017
Was extremely lucky to receive this as an arc, and I absolutely loved every page, beautifully written, from drama to high Jinkx and an awesome pug this is definitely an amazing read and one I would recommend to any who love Historical Romance or romance in general why limit yourself. Seriously Lara is a new author to me but one I will undoubtedly be stalking for any new books coming out as well as collecting her others of which I have two but read this first as its out shortly for all to enjoy. Thank You Lara xxx
September 26, 2019
3,5⭐⭐⭐🌠
July 24, 2019
This is the first book that I've read by this author and it was rather good. Sophie, the irrepressible country miss, was a delight. She had me laughing out loud quite a few times. Her exchanges with Max, her Dour Duke, were priceless. Very enjoyable read!
July 20, 2017
4.5 Stars, As reviewed at Roses Are Blue and The Romance Reviews:
http://wp.me/p3QRh4-AK
https://t.co/h9i8J4v4uF
Sophie Trevelyan has been summoned to town to visit her Aunt Minerva, aka Mad Minnie. Sophie relishes the chance to leave her crowded home, though she suspects that her sojourn won’t be of a long duration. Several of her relations have each had their turn, and have soon been sent back to the country by Aunt Minerva, who finds some fault with them. Sophie is determined to at least hold the record for longest stay, and if that means she has to find a way to coax Minerva’s lazy pug, Marmaduke, out for a walk, she’ll do it.
Surprisingly, Sophie is able to lure Marmaduke outside, and even more shocking, he finds that he has a liking for chasing birds. His exuberance almost has him barreling into a gentleman and lady out for a stroll. Unbeknownst to Sophie, the gentleman is Max, Duke of Harcourt, and his sister Hetty, and they are neighbors of her aunt. Sophie happily chatters away, charming Hetty, while leaving the straight laced duke both attracted and appalled by her outgoing friendliness.
Max’s sister Hetty is in town to help him find a wife – a proper wife with a pedigree who will always behave with decorum. Max promised his father to marry by age thirty-one, and the deadline is approaching. While a young man, Max was engaged to, and thought himself in love with, Serena, an outgoing and unconventional young lady. That relationship turned out to be disastrous and ended tragically with Serena’s death. Since then, Max has been a model of decorum, and is determined that his marriage will be tranquil and civilized, and love is definitely not a requirement. Still, Max is drawn to Sophie despite himself. As they continue to meet, he finds himself falling for her. When a sticky situation happens, Max impulsively declares them engaged.
I enjoyed reading this story so much! I loved seeing the ever proper Max shaken out of his ducal doldrums. It was obvious that he’s a good man who was scarred by his previous fiancée’s actions and was trying to do the right thing, even at the expense of his own happiness. Sophie was pure delight, and her honesty and joie de vivre brought light and fun into Max’s life. The developing romance is very sweet, while their attraction is steamy. The lazy pug added some smileworthy moments, and a twist near the end added some drama. THE DUKE’S UNEXPECTED BRIDE was excellent entertainment from beginning to end and was a joy to read.
http://wp.me/p3QRh4-AK
https://t.co/h9i8J4v4uF
Sophie Trevelyan has been summoned to town to visit her Aunt Minerva, aka Mad Minnie. Sophie relishes the chance to leave her crowded home, though she suspects that her sojourn won’t be of a long duration. Several of her relations have each had their turn, and have soon been sent back to the country by Aunt Minerva, who finds some fault with them. Sophie is determined to at least hold the record for longest stay, and if that means she has to find a way to coax Minerva’s lazy pug, Marmaduke, out for a walk, she’ll do it.
Surprisingly, Sophie is able to lure Marmaduke outside, and even more shocking, he finds that he has a liking for chasing birds. His exuberance almost has him barreling into a gentleman and lady out for a stroll. Unbeknownst to Sophie, the gentleman is Max, Duke of Harcourt, and his sister Hetty, and they are neighbors of her aunt. Sophie happily chatters away, charming Hetty, while leaving the straight laced duke both attracted and appalled by her outgoing friendliness.
Max’s sister Hetty is in town to help him find a wife – a proper wife with a pedigree who will always behave with decorum. Max promised his father to marry by age thirty-one, and the deadline is approaching. While a young man, Max was engaged to, and thought himself in love with, Serena, an outgoing and unconventional young lady. That relationship turned out to be disastrous and ended tragically with Serena’s death. Since then, Max has been a model of decorum, and is determined that his marriage will be tranquil and civilized, and love is definitely not a requirement. Still, Max is drawn to Sophie despite himself. As they continue to meet, he finds himself falling for her. When a sticky situation happens, Max impulsively declares them engaged.
I enjoyed reading this story so much! I loved seeing the ever proper Max shaken out of his ducal doldrums. It was obvious that he’s a good man who was scarred by his previous fiancée’s actions and was trying to do the right thing, even at the expense of his own happiness. Sophie was pure delight, and her honesty and joie de vivre brought light and fun into Max’s life. The developing romance is very sweet, while their attraction is steamy. The lazy pug added some smileworthy moments, and a twist near the end added some drama. THE DUKE’S UNEXPECTED BRIDE was excellent entertainment from beginning to end and was a joy to read.
May 2, 2017
This was my first introduction to the words of Lara Temple and it was such a treat. A ravishing Regency romp with wonderful charm, characters, gripping dramatic storyline, a history that was tied to 3 men that left each one damaged, a sensual desirable coupling with so much chemistry they can’t help but be drawn to each other and not forgetting a podgy, stubborn little dog called Marmaduke.
Sophie Trevelyan was staying at her Aunt’s house in London. Her country ways from her home in Devon wasn’t enough to prepare her for society in London but Sophie held a compassion in her heart and her openness with people soon charmed them. Sophie’s first hurdle though was to try and gain trust in her Aunt’s favourite pet, a podgy little pug that was stubborn and lazy called Marmaduke.
I loved how the author, Lara Temple, fitted this wonderful furry friend in this story. Marmaduke’s personality in a way reflected in Max’s (Duke of Harcourt).
When Sophie met Max she was astonished with him and was left almost speechless with his supreme statuesque handsome features. One of my favourite quotes by Lara was about Max with Sophie stating he was "so unfairly male."
A friendship of sorts blossomed between the pair but Sophie was so different to the ladies that were paraded in front of him with the hope of becoming his Duchess.
The storyline held a darkness within it and a stunning seductress had three men at her beck and call but her greed was to be her downfall. Years later these men were still beholden to this temptress and walls were built around their heart and soul. It had to be a special woman to break down the wall that Max had built around himself. However, Sophie’s life became in peril bringing a whole new twist to the darkness that has surrounded these three men.
A very delectable romance that oozed chemistry with class 5/5*
Sophie Trevelyan was staying at her Aunt’s house in London. Her country ways from her home in Devon wasn’t enough to prepare her for society in London but Sophie held a compassion in her heart and her openness with people soon charmed them. Sophie’s first hurdle though was to try and gain trust in her Aunt’s favourite pet, a podgy little pug that was stubborn and lazy called Marmaduke.
I loved how the author, Lara Temple, fitted this wonderful furry friend in this story. Marmaduke’s personality in a way reflected in Max’s (Duke of Harcourt).
When Sophie met Max she was astonished with him and was left almost speechless with his supreme statuesque handsome features. One of my favourite quotes by Lara was about Max with Sophie stating he was "so unfairly male."
A friendship of sorts blossomed between the pair but Sophie was so different to the ladies that were paraded in front of him with the hope of becoming his Duchess.
The storyline held a darkness within it and a stunning seductress had three men at her beck and call but her greed was to be her downfall. Years later these men were still beholden to this temptress and walls were built around their heart and soul. It had to be a special woman to break down the wall that Max had built around himself. However, Sophie’s life became in peril bringing a whole new twist to the darkness that has surrounded these three men.
A very delectable romance that oozed chemistry with class 5/5*
February 21, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the second book I've read by Lara Temple. It all seemed so plausible – a companion, an over-indulged pug (that reminded me of Tricky Woo in the James Herriott series. Yes, I am that old.)
There was also a duke with honour running through him like the word Brighton through a stick of rock. Max is a gorgeous hero, and Sophie a worthy heroine. Not once did I think this pair did not deserve each other. The danger built up slowly and from an unexpected quarter, but no so unexpected as to feel contrived. The characters and their interactions are complex and three dimensional, too. Life is not all black and white in Ms Temple's world.
I am hoping Wivenhoe gets his own book soon, too.
One bugbear, and it's a minor one. I've seen it quite a few times lately, and it drives me crackers. Why, oh why, do authors have characters addressing a duke as “Duke”. It's not a name. It's not a nickname. It's a title, and one which would have garnered a lot of respect in the days when the story is set. Characters not entitled to address him by his proper name would have called him “Your Grace.” Calling him “Duke” is akin to calling Queen Elizabeth II “Queenie.” I know it is technically correct, but in practice, it just wouldn't be done, would it?
(I know cockneys call women “Duchess.” But that's someone in their own circle. They'd never consider calling a real life duchess that.)
But that is the only complaint I have, and I eagerly await the next book.
There was also a duke with honour running through him like the word Brighton through a stick of rock. Max is a gorgeous hero, and Sophie a worthy heroine. Not once did I think this pair did not deserve each other. The danger built up slowly and from an unexpected quarter, but no so unexpected as to feel contrived. The characters and their interactions are complex and three dimensional, too. Life is not all black and white in Ms Temple's world.
I am hoping Wivenhoe gets his own book soon, too.
One bugbear, and it's a minor one. I've seen it quite a few times lately, and it drives me crackers. Why, oh why, do authors have characters addressing a duke as “Duke”. It's not a name. It's not a nickname. It's a title, and one which would have garnered a lot of respect in the days when the story is set. Characters not entitled to address him by his proper name would have called him “Your Grace.” Calling him “Duke” is akin to calling Queen Elizabeth II “Queenie.” I know it is technically correct, but in practice, it just wouldn't be done, would it?
(I know cockneys call women “Duchess.” But that's someone in their own circle. They'd never consider calling a real life duchess that.)
But that is the only complaint I have, and I eagerly await the next book.
April 1, 2018
I thought this was a charming and witty read. There is a lot of humour and I laughed quite a few times. The writing is wonderful and I really enjoyed the story and characters. The story seemed predictable, I thought I knew, but I was wrong. It was pretty unpredictable. Max and Sophie had great chemistry and there is some definite steamy parts. Loved them. Lord Wivenhoe, I thought he'd end up being this super bad villian but he's not and I'm completely intrigued. I really didn't want to put this book down.
October 10, 2017
Great book with a stuffy H and a fresh, full of life h. Sophie and Max get betrothed almost by accident. But it's fun to watch Max fight his feelings and Sophie try to break down his icy walls.
My only complaint would be the last minute plot twist which felt tired and was completely unnecessary to the story. But that is a small issue and does nothing to diminish the enjoyment of the story.
Definitely romantic. Definitely recommend.
My only complaint would be the last minute plot twist which felt tired and was completely unnecessary to the story. But that is a small issue and does nothing to diminish the enjoyment of the story.
Definitely romantic. Definitely recommend.
August 6, 2017
Okay, any book that starts out with a spoiled, obese pug being instrumental to the meet cute is okay by me. Marmaduke is awesome, and even though the book has some dark moments, there are some absolutely adorable moments that will make you laugh. I'll definitely be looking for more by Lara Temple.
November 20, 2017
Plot: 3.5/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
The plot is pretty much the standard run-of-the-mill regency but the characters especially the heroine made it fun.
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
The plot is pretty much the standard run-of-the-mill regency but the characters especially the heroine made it fun.
May 13, 2017
This was a sweet regency romance between two people who appeared to be mismatched.
Max, the Duke of Harcourt is on the hunt for the perfect bride. Ten years ago, he was engaged to a woman who was horribly mismatched to him. She was a beautiful, high strung, spoiled woman, and at first, he was enthralled by her, but he quickly learned just how wrong for him she was. Their engagement ultimately came to an end with her death. Not long after her death, he joined the army to just get away from everything, but he made a deal with his father that he would marry within ten years. He's looking to fulfill that promise now and just wants a calm, cool bride who is the opposite of his former fiancee.
Sophie is a vicar's daughter new to London. She has an aunt, Mad Minnie, who is a dowager countess and regularly requires various nieces and nephews and cousins to come and act as her companion, but each one only lasts for a few days. Sophie is the newest victim, and she's looking forward to it. She wants to get away from her large family for a while, and she wants to beat her jerk cousin's record of two weeks with their aunt. Sophie is convinced that the way to victory is by winning the affection of her aunt's favorite pug, Marmaduke, and she is determined to bring him outside and exercise him. Once she manages to get him outside, the lazy dog discovers that he does like chasing birds and gets away from Sophie, only to lead her to Max.
This is the start of several informal meetings between Sophie and Max, and despite himself, Max is drawn to her. She is a wild country miss, nothing like what he should be looking for, but he is also worried about her wandering around London with only an overweight pug to accompany her, and he ends up escorting her to the Royal Academy once it comes out that she has an interest in art. Once they're there, Sophie meets Lord Wivenhoe, a fellow artist and enemy of Max's. Wivenhoe immediately takes an interest in Sophie, and to protect her, Max accidentally engages himself to Sophie.
The start of this book was funny and sweet. Sophie is bit zany, but it's mostly because she isn't used to Town, and Max has high standards for propriety. There is an immediate connection between the two of them, but it takes a long time for Max to admit to himself and Sophie that he wanted her, and that he wasn't just marrying her to protect her. I really enjoyed the second part of this book as Max and Sophie grew into a couple. Sophie was actually more emotionally mature than Max. He's still hurting from the betrayals and horrors of his first engagement, and Sophie brings all of his old fears and doubts to the surface. Although he recognizes that Sophie is in truth very different from Serena despite their surface similarities, it's hard for him to separate his two relationships because of Wivenhoe.
As it turns out, Max isn't the only one who has difficulty with separating Sophie from Serena. Wivenhoe does as well, as does the villain. I do think that the villain was a touch over done, and the story might have worked better without him. I also think that Wivenhoe was a touch too redeemed in the end, and Serena was made out to be utterly without redemption, but I understand why the author did that. After all, if Serena wasn't so bad, it would be hard to emphasize with Max.
Max is tortured by the past, but Sophie is the first person who helps him move on from it. He can talk to her about it, and because she isn't emotionally connected to the events, she can see them clearly. Max also appreciates Sophie for who is. Her own family doesn't really value her, and the letter they sent her after she told them of her engagement was sad, and her previous suitors didn't either. But Max admires her for who she is, and with her, he isn't quite as cold and proper as he typically is.
The secondary characters were also well developed. I really liked Max's friends, Bryanston and Cranworth, and thought they added nicely to the narrative, and both Hettie and Sylvie were good friends for Sophie. Wivenhoe was a strong villain, but I would have preferred less of a redemption for him.
On the whole, a great read. This is the second book I've read by Lara Temple, and I liked the other one as well, so I look forward to what else she'll be putting out in the future.
Max, the Duke of Harcourt is on the hunt for the perfect bride. Ten years ago, he was engaged to a woman who was horribly mismatched to him. She was a beautiful, high strung, spoiled woman, and at first, he was enthralled by her, but he quickly learned just how wrong for him she was. Their engagement ultimately came to an end with her death. Not long after her death, he joined the army to just get away from everything, but he made a deal with his father that he would marry within ten years. He's looking to fulfill that promise now and just wants a calm, cool bride who is the opposite of his former fiancee.
Sophie is a vicar's daughter new to London. She has an aunt, Mad Minnie, who is a dowager countess and regularly requires various nieces and nephews and cousins to come and act as her companion, but each one only lasts for a few days. Sophie is the newest victim, and she's looking forward to it. She wants to get away from her large family for a while, and she wants to beat her jerk cousin's record of two weeks with their aunt. Sophie is convinced that the way to victory is by winning the affection of her aunt's favorite pug, Marmaduke, and she is determined to bring him outside and exercise him. Once she manages to get him outside, the lazy dog discovers that he does like chasing birds and gets away from Sophie, only to lead her to Max.
This is the start of several informal meetings between Sophie and Max, and despite himself, Max is drawn to her. She is a wild country miss, nothing like what he should be looking for, but he is also worried about her wandering around London with only an overweight pug to accompany her, and he ends up escorting her to the Royal Academy once it comes out that she has an interest in art. Once they're there, Sophie meets Lord Wivenhoe, a fellow artist and enemy of Max's. Wivenhoe immediately takes an interest in Sophie, and to protect her, Max accidentally engages himself to Sophie.
The start of this book was funny and sweet. Sophie is bit zany, but it's mostly because she isn't used to Town, and Max has high standards for propriety. There is an immediate connection between the two of them, but it takes a long time for Max to admit to himself and Sophie that he wanted her, and that he wasn't just marrying her to protect her. I really enjoyed the second part of this book as Max and Sophie grew into a couple. Sophie was actually more emotionally mature than Max. He's still hurting from the betrayals and horrors of his first engagement, and Sophie brings all of his old fears and doubts to the surface. Although he recognizes that Sophie is in truth very different from Serena despite their surface similarities, it's hard for him to separate his two relationships because of Wivenhoe.
As it turns out, Max isn't the only one who has difficulty with separating Sophie from Serena. Wivenhoe does as well, as does the villain. I do think that the villain was a touch over done, and the story might have worked better without him. I also think that Wivenhoe was a touch too redeemed in the end, and Serena was made out to be utterly without redemption, but I understand why the author did that. After all, if Serena wasn't so bad, it would be hard to emphasize with Max.
Max is tortured by the past, but Sophie is the first person who helps him move on from it. He can talk to her about it, and because she isn't emotionally connected to the events, she can see them clearly. Max also appreciates Sophie for who is. Her own family doesn't really value her, and the letter they sent her after she told them of her engagement was sad, and her previous suitors didn't either. But Max admires her for who she is, and with her, he isn't quite as cold and proper as he typically is.
The secondary characters were also well developed. I really liked Max's friends, Bryanston and Cranworth, and thought they added nicely to the narrative, and both Hettie and Sylvie were good friends for Sophie. Wivenhoe was a strong villain, but I would have preferred less of a redemption for him.
On the whole, a great read. This is the second book I've read by Lara Temple, and I liked the other one as well, so I look forward to what else she'll be putting out in the future.
January 1, 2021
DNF at 61%. While the female main character, Sophie, is charming there is very little conflict and the love interest, Max, is dull as hell. Sophie is sassy, but has little to no agency in the story, and doesn't show any character development besides liking Max.
A big point is made of Sophie being a virgin, with Max "claiming" her and being thrilled to be the only man ever to touch her in this way, blahblahblah. His possessive jealousy and constant guilt over having sex with his fiance just isn't the kind of energy I want for 2021.
A big point is made of Sophie being a virgin, with Max "claiming" her and being thrilled to be the only man ever to touch her in this way, blahblahblah. His possessive jealousy and constant guilt over having sex with his fiance just isn't the kind of energy I want for 2021.
April 17, 2021
Lovely recency romance, Max Duke of Harcourt is in need of a Duchess and he knows exactly what he's looking for, or does he. Because into his life comes the spirited Sophie Trevelyan. She has a thirst for art and life and isn't at all the sedate, contained Duchess Max wants. But theres something about her and before he knows it they are engaged. Can she unravel his secret heartache and make him whole again. Loved both the characters and the pug Marmaduke. Highly recommend.
Read
July 15, 2019Not in the mood for ordinary at the moment. So this is a no from me.
April 26, 2020
**Actually a 3.5-rating**
I put this book in place of another HR that began with an overly dramatic start, and wow! this one kind of pushed itself off the cliffs of despair and just swan-dived. Nothing at the start gave me an inkling this story would've gone in this dubious direction. Nor that what started as a decent, wavering Hero suddenly becomes a deplorable love interest all-together. Just, uhm...nope.
I'd give it 3-stars which is typically my lowest/somewhat worst rating, so I guess this is me thinking giving it a worthy half-star increase at least makes what I enjoyed about it better than that ending. Eesh....good 60% and then it wavers in the last 40%, right into Crazy-pants Town. And I thought I was safe from my other book when I started right in Crazy-pants Town.
The saving graces were Sophia and Marmaduke - the overweight pug - Sophia calls him "Duke". I am sure Temple meant it to be a throwaway jokey-jokey, for Sophia to call her dog "Duke" and then to be involved with a human-Duke. Mmmh, really far-stretch for humor but I'll take it because I do not know what this last 40% of this story was, but it certainly never felt to me like a genuine HEA. I don't think I can forgive The Duke, Max, for being a very sketchy Hero, at best. Skeevy? I don't know, but I do know I don't like him and I simply wish Sophia had run away, very far away.
Okay, so...Sophia...country miss, kind-hearted, gentle & gregarious, she gives monologues to Marmaduke because she is so alone at her Aunt Minerva's home. Apparently all nine of her siblings and then some of her cousins have been spending "imprisonment-time" with Aunt Minnie in hopes that she can find a viable "heir"? Turns out, Aunt Minnie really likes Sophia, so...yay...
Max and his sister, Hetty, bump into Sophia & "Duke" at the park when Sophia -hahaha- mistakenly calls the dog to heel or obey a command...and The Duke, Max, thinks Sophia is talking to him...about heeling...and obeying. See...funny. And it is, for a good while, and that's the sketchiness of this story and the Hero. He's handsome, powerful, and a Duke...and he kind of is in search of a wife at this time. Hetty is even throwing women in his path she knows would be good for him. She actually enjoys Sophia, but...wow! Max is so on-the-fence about Sophia, he won't admit to deeper feelings for her until Sophia is ready to give in and give him up, which is like at the 20-25% mark...and then...remember, Crazy-pants Town?
Max has a history, a mysterious one about his ex-fiance, who is dead now. But when he talks about her in one instance, his discussions about her make it seem like--okay, yeah, she was a gold-digger, only out to marry a Duke while stringing lovers [or A lover] along, curtailing Max. Max, for some weird reason...sees his ex [Serena] in EVERY OUNCE of Sophia's personality, just at first glance. Like he judges her in every way shape and form with how he will treat her from the very moment he meets her. "Just like Serena. Stay Away, Max. Bad news." He will try and try, even to the point of going off and pursuing other proper ladies of society who will be better proper wives. Sophia is too much like Serena so he won't be able to curb her or control her.
Max defies his own morals and logic...and keeps hanging out with Sophia... and "Duke" to the point where "Duke" actually enjoys Max's presence. And Max has escorted Sophia to public places where they will bump into EVERY SINGLE RICH MALE FRIEND Max has ever had in his past. And Max will cringe yet still hold onto Sophia and walk with her while his guy friends just...well, they seem more like giggly teenage girls as they have spotted Max out with a NEW LADY...and she strikes a "fancy" inside them all. Two in particular--one is a genuine friend of Max's and then another male "ex-friend/adversary" who is a painter who--shockingly we later discover had stolen Serena as her one lover and the man who fathered her baby.
Poor Sophia gets transplanted in the midst of Max's past bullshit to the point where...Max's ex-friend/Serena's lover...starts to stalk and play nasty games with Sophia and this causes Max to amp-up his desire to be with and protect Sophia. I want to say it's pure jealousy that he reacts to but man, is it tough to explain just how poorly Max comes across. We do not know why he does what he does because he talks himself in and then right back out of every situation or precious moment with Sophia.
He begins as if he is charming...like readers can cut him slack for wishing to seek out a lady of quality for a wife. Thing is...Max's past with Serena, and the ex-friend-now-enemy who was Serena's lover...it's so murky even having been inside Max's own head. Mostly he's lamenting about how he was duped by Serena, but we are never outright told what did happen. It becomes as if once Sophia is dragged through his garbage WE learn along with her learning. Are we being told the truth or just plain old lies upon lies? Thing is...only two people know what truly happened the night she...yeah, DIED...Serena isn't alive anymore because she died--declared a "suicide" but things were fishy. I do not recall Max's POV chapters mentioning to us she no longer lived or that she was carrying a baby...and, get this...that she died from drinking poison...so, every step Sophia is brought down along, readers are being led down the same confusing path.
Max becomes the worst thing one can do to a Hero, which is turn him into a unreliable source of much of any ounce of honesty or information. Mainly because he never wants to talk about that night, or about Serena in general...and then he is always so ANGRY and enraged and has to keep all this pent-up bullshit deep inside to be The Duke of Harcourt...yeah, his goodness? wears thinner and thinner as he moves along, taking Sophia with him.
And poor, poor Sophia. I say this because, wow, what a sloppy way to become engaged to the man you are attracted to and slowly falling in love with. In a fit of rage and hopeful he is protecting Sophia from evil clutches--and maybe to not ruin Sophia's rep publicly...he simply says a throwaway couple of sentences making it appear as if he had just asked Sophia to become engaged and then POOF! Max starts to gaslight Sophia into making her believe if she tries to "take back" his publicly declared BETROTHAL claim...she will ruin her own reputation and she can't easily un-smear it by running back home to the country.
I didn't mind Max's undercurrent of dual personalities when he was pursuing other ladies - DO I LIKE SOPHIA/I CANNOT LIKE SOPHIA SHE IS JUST LIKE SERENA. But once their betrothal took off, Max kept this weird underbelly current running through him...where he would spend time with Sophia, making us think he likes and enjoyed the time spent with her and then when she exits the room...his POV commentary basically went on about "Sophia cannot be a Duchess with this kind of attitude. I must tame her, curb her unruliness. She cannot act this way in society at Harcourt. I will hire tutors to teach her how to BE A LADY." One side of his mouth is making us think she is great while the sly, sneaky side is making it seem like he finds her distasteful and uncouth. Not fit to be his Duchess.
The second sexual intimacy was brought into this, I grew scared. For Sophia. It took awhile, but Sophia could even start to feel the wretched coldness...the sudden chills overcoming her--sometimes after they'd had been intimate...and Max would shut the emotions down. He also said something as a throwaway line he yelled at her during an argument about how irresponsible she was being...not nagging but being inquisitive [Oh, excuse her for wanting to know about this dead ex-fiance everyone keeps comparing her to] about what are her boundaries, and Max says something akin to "Well, that's not how our relationship will be" Like, there is a reason for him marrying Sophia but it isn't for these loving, intimate ones and...they aren't close, they aren't friends. Just because they have sex and share bodies doesn't allow her into his secrets, or his past. Even though it will come back to try to end her very life.
Yeah...welcome to Crazy-pants Town at this point. Max is pulling her one way. Serena's ex-lover is pulling her another way. Sophia wants to go her own way. And no one wants to discuss the truth about Serena who Sophia is starting to really dislike. She bumps into Serena's father--a recluse since her death and...wow!it starts off innocently. Sophia feels bad for Serena's father so when he implores she come over to his house and have "afternoon tea" with her so they can talk--talk about Serena, because no one wants to talk about Serena with him. Uh, yeah...felt a little OFF to me, but sweet, gentle-natured Sophia pities this old guy and she will make a secret date with him...and then we are suddenly in Looneyville, inside of Crazy-pants Town.
The one thing Max and his ex-bestie always fought about was WHO gave Serena that poison to rid her of the baby that basically slowly killed her? Each man declared it wasn't them so neither wanted her dead. And somehow they put 2+2 together and ran after to find Sophia because she never came home after having "afternoon tea" with Serena's father.
Prior to the silliness with Max and his ex-bestie...Sophia learns Serena's father was the one who bought the poison then helped her take it the night she died. He publicly announced her death as a suicide but had kept this secret to himself. Except now he is seeing Sophia being caught between the same two men as his dearest daughter--talking like Serena is still alive--and so...Sophia and readers find out that "afternoon tea" has been laced with a heavy dose of laudanum. So...complete bonkers!
Max swoops in and becomes The Hero...and they have a quick moment when she awakens to Max's grovel of excuses and confessions...he does love her, yada-yada...and he still wants to marry her. Sophia was willing to sacrifice her love because she knows she cannot be a proper wife to a Duke. Max gives her some soothing words, but I cannot trust him at this point. He sincerely came too late to the damn game before he realized what he was doing to Sophia, little by little. So much gaslighting to an extent where he almost nearly extinguished her inner light and her right to smile.
So I guess I'm 3.5-rating 60% of this book, probably up until they suddenly become "betrothed"...and then it simply goes downhill from there to never recover.
I put this book in place of another HR that began with an overly dramatic start, and wow! this one kind of pushed itself off the cliffs of despair and just swan-dived. Nothing at the start gave me an inkling this story would've gone in this dubious direction. Nor that what started as a decent, wavering Hero suddenly becomes a deplorable love interest all-together. Just, uhm...nope.
I'd give it 3-stars which is typically my lowest/somewhat worst rating, so I guess this is me thinking giving it a worthy half-star increase at least makes what I enjoyed about it better than that ending. Eesh....good 60% and then it wavers in the last 40%, right into Crazy-pants Town. And I thought I was safe from my other book when I started right in Crazy-pants Town.
The saving graces were Sophia and Marmaduke - the overweight pug - Sophia calls him "Duke". I am sure Temple meant it to be a throwaway jokey-jokey, for Sophia to call her dog "Duke" and then to be involved with a human-Duke. Mmmh, really far-stretch for humor but I'll take it because I do not know what this last 40% of this story was, but it certainly never felt to me like a genuine HEA. I don't think I can forgive The Duke, Max, for being a very sketchy Hero, at best. Skeevy? I don't know, but I do know I don't like him and I simply wish Sophia had run away, very far away.
Okay, so...Sophia...country miss, kind-hearted, gentle & gregarious, she gives monologues to Marmaduke because she is so alone at her Aunt Minerva's home. Apparently all nine of her siblings and then some of her cousins have been spending "imprisonment-time" with Aunt Minnie in hopes that she can find a viable "heir"? Turns out, Aunt Minnie really likes Sophia, so...yay...
Max and his sister, Hetty, bump into Sophia & "Duke" at the park when Sophia -hahaha- mistakenly calls the dog to heel or obey a command...and The Duke, Max, thinks Sophia is talking to him...about heeling...and obeying. See...funny. And it is, for a good while, and that's the sketchiness of this story and the Hero. He's handsome, powerful, and a Duke...and he kind of is in search of a wife at this time. Hetty is even throwing women in his path she knows would be good for him. She actually enjoys Sophia, but...wow! Max is so on-the-fence about Sophia, he won't admit to deeper feelings for her until Sophia is ready to give in and give him up, which is like at the 20-25% mark...and then...remember, Crazy-pants Town?
Max has a history, a mysterious one about his ex-fiance, who is dead now. But when he talks about her in one instance, his discussions about her make it seem like--okay, yeah, she was a gold-digger, only out to marry a Duke while stringing lovers [or A lover] along, curtailing Max. Max, for some weird reason...sees his ex [Serena] in EVERY OUNCE of Sophia's personality, just at first glance. Like he judges her in every way shape and form with how he will treat her from the very moment he meets her. "Just like Serena. Stay Away, Max. Bad news." He will try and try, even to the point of going off and pursuing other proper ladies of society who will be better proper wives. Sophia is too much like Serena so he won't be able to curb her or control her.
Max defies his own morals and logic...and keeps hanging out with Sophia... and "Duke" to the point where "Duke" actually enjoys Max's presence. And Max has escorted Sophia to public places where they will bump into EVERY SINGLE RICH MALE FRIEND Max has ever had in his past. And Max will cringe yet still hold onto Sophia and walk with her while his guy friends just...well, they seem more like giggly teenage girls as they have spotted Max out with a NEW LADY...and she strikes a "fancy" inside them all. Two in particular--one is a genuine friend of Max's and then another male "ex-friend/adversary" who is a painter who--shockingly we later discover had stolen Serena as her one lover and the man who fathered her baby.
Poor Sophia gets transplanted in the midst of Max's past bullshit to the point where...Max's ex-friend/Serena's lover...starts to stalk and play nasty games with Sophia and this causes Max to amp-up his desire to be with and protect Sophia. I want to say it's pure jealousy that he reacts to but man, is it tough to explain just how poorly Max comes across. We do not know why he does what he does because he talks himself in and then right back out of every situation or precious moment with Sophia.
He begins as if he is charming...like readers can cut him slack for wishing to seek out a lady of quality for a wife. Thing is...Max's past with Serena, and the ex-friend-now-enemy who was Serena's lover...it's so murky even having been inside Max's own head. Mostly he's lamenting about how he was duped by Serena, but we are never outright told what did happen. It becomes as if once Sophia is dragged through his garbage WE learn along with her learning. Are we being told the truth or just plain old lies upon lies? Thing is...only two people know what truly happened the night she...yeah, DIED...Serena isn't alive anymore because she died--declared a "suicide" but things were fishy. I do not recall Max's POV chapters mentioning to us she no longer lived or that she was carrying a baby...and, get this...that she died from drinking poison...so, every step Sophia is brought down along, readers are being led down the same confusing path.
Max becomes the worst thing one can do to a Hero, which is turn him into a unreliable source of much of any ounce of honesty or information. Mainly because he never wants to talk about that night, or about Serena in general...and then he is always so ANGRY and enraged and has to keep all this pent-up bullshit deep inside to be The Duke of Harcourt...yeah, his goodness? wears thinner and thinner as he moves along, taking Sophia with him.
And poor, poor Sophia. I say this because, wow, what a sloppy way to become engaged to the man you are attracted to and slowly falling in love with. In a fit of rage and hopeful he is protecting Sophia from evil clutches--and maybe to not ruin Sophia's rep publicly...he simply says a throwaway couple of sentences making it appear as if he had just asked Sophia to become engaged and then POOF! Max starts to gaslight Sophia into making her believe if she tries to "take back" his publicly declared BETROTHAL claim...she will ruin her own reputation and she can't easily un-smear it by running back home to the country.
I didn't mind Max's undercurrent of dual personalities when he was pursuing other ladies - DO I LIKE SOPHIA/I CANNOT LIKE SOPHIA SHE IS JUST LIKE SERENA. But once their betrothal took off, Max kept this weird underbelly current running through him...where he would spend time with Sophia, making us think he likes and enjoyed the time spent with her and then when she exits the room...his POV commentary basically went on about "Sophia cannot be a Duchess with this kind of attitude. I must tame her, curb her unruliness. She cannot act this way in society at Harcourt. I will hire tutors to teach her how to BE A LADY." One side of his mouth is making us think she is great while the sly, sneaky side is making it seem like he finds her distasteful and uncouth. Not fit to be his Duchess.
The second sexual intimacy was brought into this, I grew scared. For Sophia. It took awhile, but Sophia could even start to feel the wretched coldness...the sudden chills overcoming her--sometimes after they'd had been intimate...and Max would shut the emotions down. He also said something as a throwaway line he yelled at her during an argument about how irresponsible she was being...not nagging but being inquisitive [Oh, excuse her for wanting to know about this dead ex-fiance everyone keeps comparing her to] about what are her boundaries, and Max says something akin to "Well, that's not how our relationship will be" Like, there is a reason for him marrying Sophia but it isn't for these loving, intimate ones and...they aren't close, they aren't friends. Just because they have sex and share bodies doesn't allow her into his secrets, or his past. Even though it will come back to try to end her very life.
Yeah...welcome to Crazy-pants Town at this point. Max is pulling her one way. Serena's ex-lover is pulling her another way. Sophia wants to go her own way. And no one wants to discuss the truth about Serena who Sophia is starting to really dislike. She bumps into Serena's father--a recluse since her death and...wow!it starts off innocently. Sophia feels bad for Serena's father so when he implores she come over to his house and have "afternoon tea" with her so they can talk--talk about Serena, because no one wants to talk about Serena with him. Uh, yeah...felt a little OFF to me, but sweet, gentle-natured Sophia pities this old guy and she will make a secret date with him...and then we are suddenly in Looneyville, inside of Crazy-pants Town.
The one thing Max and his ex-bestie always fought about was WHO gave Serena that poison to rid her of the baby that basically slowly killed her? Each man declared it wasn't them so neither wanted her dead. And somehow they put 2+2 together and ran after to find Sophia because she never came home after having "afternoon tea" with Serena's father.
Prior to the silliness with Max and his ex-bestie...Sophia learns Serena's father was the one who bought the poison then helped her take it the night she died. He publicly announced her death as a suicide but had kept this secret to himself. Except now he is seeing Sophia being caught between the same two men as his dearest daughter--talking like Serena is still alive--and so...Sophia and readers find out that "afternoon tea" has been laced with a heavy dose of laudanum. So...complete bonkers!
Max swoops in and becomes The Hero...and they have a quick moment when she awakens to Max's grovel of excuses and confessions...he does love her, yada-yada...and he still wants to marry her. Sophia was willing to sacrifice her love because she knows she cannot be a proper wife to a Duke. Max gives her some soothing words, but I cannot trust him at this point. He sincerely came too late to the damn game before he realized what he was doing to Sophia, little by little. So much gaslighting to an extent where he almost nearly extinguished her inner light and her right to smile.
So I guess I'm 3.5-rating 60% of this book, probably up until they suddenly become "betrothed"...and then it simply goes downhill from there to never recover.
July 28, 2021
Hugely enjoyable!! Lara Temple is another HMB Historical author that I was reading for the first tine and on the strength of this I shall be going back to her work again soon. A rollicking start to a well plotted novel and the past history between Max Harcourt and Lord Wivenhoe added weight to the central romance between the lead characters. The author maintained a subtle hand on the tiller to the end and kept me engaged. I am sure Lara Temple's legion of fans will love this and anyone coming to her work new as I was will enjoy this book from a very talented author.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
April 9, 2017
Max has decided it really is time to get married. He thought he knew the type of woman he wanted as his duchess. Unfortunately for his well-laid plans, he accidentally meets Sophie, thanks to a distinctly lazy and over-weight pug called Marmaduke.
Sophie is rather an unconventional Regency miss but that doesn’t stop her from losing her heart to the duke almost from the moment she meets him.
Of course, true love doesn’t run smoothly. There’s a shadow from Max’s past that puts more than one obstacle in the path of his future with Sophie.
This latest book from the very talented pen – or rather keyboard – of Lara Temple is a sensuous and sexy tale which is totally satisfying and left me with the determination to continue buying her books.
Sophie is rather an unconventional Regency miss but that doesn’t stop her from losing her heart to the duke almost from the moment she meets him.
Of course, true love doesn’t run smoothly. There’s a shadow from Max’s past that puts more than one obstacle in the path of his future with Sophie.
This latest book from the very talented pen – or rather keyboard – of Lara Temple is a sensuous and sexy tale which is totally satisfying and left me with the determination to continue buying her books.
July 15, 2018
What a fantastic book from author Lara Temple. This was the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author and it's definitely not the last.
Max The Duke of Harcourt and Sophie Trevelyan were a fantastic couple and the secondary characters in the book were great. Wouldn't mind seeing a book about Lord Wivenhoe in the future..... This book had everything you could want in a book! Romance, humor, drama and an overweight pug named Marmaduke! Absolutely loved it!
Max The Duke of Harcourt and Sophie Trevelyan were a fantastic couple and the secondary characters in the book were great. Wouldn't mind seeing a book about Lord Wivenhoe in the future..... This book had everything you could want in a book! Romance, humor, drama and an overweight pug named Marmaduke! Absolutely loved it!
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