What do you think?
Rate this book
Greycourt #3
No Ordinary Duchess
From a New York Times bestselling author, the much-anticipated third novel in the Greycourt series.
Cold and brooding, Julian Greycourt, the heir to the Windemere dukedom, has always known that his uncle the duke was responsible for his mother’s death. Now he’s determined to exact revenge against his uncle—if he can find the proof. But Julian hides a secret so explosive it will destroy him if it’s ever revealed, and the duke is watching. The last thing he needs is a distractingly sensual woman whose very presence threatens to destroy his plans.
Sunny and cheerful, Lady Elspeth de Moray doesn’t know why her brother and Julian fell out all those years ago, but she can’t let the autocratic man get in the way of her mission: to retrieve an ancient family text that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. Locating the tome, however, proves trickier than she anticipated, and at each turn, she’s thrown together with the maddingly mysterious Julian. And the temptation to give in to her family’s greatest enemy grows stronger with each intriguing encounter…
Cold and brooding, Julian Greycourt, the heir to the Windemere dukedom, has always known that his uncle the duke was responsible for his mother’s death. Now he’s determined to exact revenge against his uncle—if he can find the proof. But Julian hides a secret so explosive it will destroy him if it’s ever revealed, and the duke is watching. The last thing he needs is a distractingly sensual woman whose very presence threatens to destroy his plans.
Sunny and cheerful, Lady Elspeth de Moray doesn’t know why her brother and Julian fell out all those years ago, but she can’t let the autocratic man get in the way of her mission: to retrieve an ancient family text that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. Locating the tome, however, proves trickier than she anticipated, and at each turn, she’s thrown together with the maddingly mysterious Julian. And the temptation to give in to her family’s greatest enemy grows stronger with each intriguing encounter…
325 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 10, 2024
143 people are currently reading
5774 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
49 books7,196 followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
September 3, 2024
2.7 stars
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
The girl from the library was a de Moray. The sister of Ranulf de Moray. His enemy.
There was something absolutely comforting to me when I read that first excerpt of fairy tale, a tricorn was settled, and a greatcoat draped a set of wide shoulders. The first half and middle had me imagining a patchwork quilt where the design wasn't quite right. The recapping of the continued storyline of the first two books is done well enough but I still think you might want to brush up on the cold war between the de Moray's and Greycourt's. There is a lot of family member names thrown throughout and it could get confusing if you're not sure who is who. What started everything was Ranulf de Moray was accused of killing Aurelia Greycourt, causing him to be beaten, lose a hand, and now live as a recluse. The stars of this book are Ranulf's sister Lady Elspeth de Moray and Aurelia's brother Julian Greycourt. Elspeth and Julian meet in the Duke of Windemere's library and from there attraction and circumstances have them invading each other's orbit.
His every expression, every little move was studied, picked apart, and held against him until Julian had learned to hold himself still, to express neither joy nor sorrow nor anger. He’d buried all his thoughts and feelings so deeply inside himself that sometimes he thought he’d lost them altogether.
After the drama of Ranulf and Aurelia, the siblings are left with the fallout. Julian ends up being sent to live with his uncle, who he's the heir, with his brother Quinn and mother, while his sisters were sent to a different uncle. Elspeth, with her two other sisters, get sent to live with an aunt, who then dies and they get taken in by the Wise Women. If you read the first two books, you'll remember some of the story around the Wise Women, a group whispered to be witches but really just a commune of women living on their own terms. At this point, there is a sort of civil war going on between the Wise Women and Elspeth is determined to find a diary, rumored to be hidden in a Greycourt library, of one of the first Wise Women to help her advocate for them to get back to their original intent. Julian has forever been looking for ways to put a stop to having to bend to his uncle's evil machinations and finally gets word that his mother wrote her own diary hidden in the margins of a book and what she wrote will destroy his uncle. To the library, everyone!
He drew her to her feet with no effort but then pulled her closer so that they were nearly embracing. She could feel his breath on her lips when he spoke. “I hope, for your sake, that I can trust you.”
With Elspeth's background of growing up in a matriarchal commune, she doesn't understand or want to adhere to societal norms, and Julian's cold childhood and being taught to hide his feelings for fear his uncle will go after whatever he loves, you can see the grumpy/sunshine forming. There's also the added “unnatural” desires Julian has, he's a submissive in the bedroom. Fortunately, “I've read about it in a book” Elspeth takes to dominating him like a duck to water and the second half gets to deliver on one of Hoyt's strengths, hot bedroom scenes. There was also the added danger of if there are one or two assassins trying to kill Elspeth or Julian or both.
Dear God, Elspeth de Moray was dangerous, but not for the reasons he’d first assumed.
Now, with all the patches I've laid out, you can see how this would be a complicated quilt design, and the flow kind of took a hit at times. There came a point where there were a lot of familial and Wise Women characters to keep track of, the Wise Women storyline I was finding hard to care about, and the evil uncle stayed a little too much to the background for me to really feel the danger. The romance felt like it got boxed in a bit and came down to Elspeth instantly just knowing how to dominate Julian, which did provide some hot but I wanted more of the emotional outside of the bedroom to feel the love building and growing. But, if you're a library scene person, you'll get plenty of that here.
“I’ve tried resisting you,” he murmured, his voice deep.
The ending gave us a betrayal by Elspeth, which felt a little forced because I think the groundwork was there character wise and how she thought/felt about Julian to trust him more, to deliver the black moment. Things move kind of quickly from there and the wrap-up felt a little everything working out with a bow and then a very last second danger moment (seriously, my Kindle said 93%) that delivered an ending that felt somewhat abrupt in action but character wise, emotionally was alright, plus there was a “one month later” little epilogue to give us more of a solid closure. There are plenty of siblings left for their own story, added clues to further some story plots, and dangling threads with the Wise Women and Aurelia and Ranulf storyline to keep this series going. It's a series you'll have to want to stay on your toes with but Hoyt is usually worth it, in interesting plot (albeit disjointed this time), a setting, Georgian, that doesn't get published as much, and hot chemistry.
**************************************************************
THERE IS AN ARC OF THIS NOW ON MY KINDLE
Me to every plan/responsibility I had this weekend and instead locking myself away with this book
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
The girl from the library was a de Moray. The sister of Ranulf de Moray. His enemy.
There was something absolutely comforting to me when I read that first excerpt of fairy tale, a tricorn was settled, and a greatcoat draped a set of wide shoulders. The first half and middle had me imagining a patchwork quilt where the design wasn't quite right. The recapping of the continued storyline of the first two books is done well enough but I still think you might want to brush up on the cold war between the de Moray's and Greycourt's. There is a lot of family member names thrown throughout and it could get confusing if you're not sure who is who. What started everything was Ranulf de Moray was accused of killing Aurelia Greycourt, causing him to be beaten, lose a hand, and now live as a recluse. The stars of this book are Ranulf's sister Lady Elspeth de Moray and Aurelia's brother Julian Greycourt. Elspeth and Julian meet in the Duke of Windemere's library and from there attraction and circumstances have them invading each other's orbit.
His every expression, every little move was studied, picked apart, and held against him until Julian had learned to hold himself still, to express neither joy nor sorrow nor anger. He’d buried all his thoughts and feelings so deeply inside himself that sometimes he thought he’d lost them altogether.
After the drama of Ranulf and Aurelia, the siblings are left with the fallout. Julian ends up being sent to live with his uncle, who he's the heir, with his brother Quinn and mother, while his sisters were sent to a different uncle. Elspeth, with her two other sisters, get sent to live with an aunt, who then dies and they get taken in by the Wise Women. If you read the first two books, you'll remember some of the story around the Wise Women, a group whispered to be witches but really just a commune of women living on their own terms. At this point, there is a sort of civil war going on between the Wise Women and Elspeth is determined to find a diary, rumored to be hidden in a Greycourt library, of one of the first Wise Women to help her advocate for them to get back to their original intent. Julian has forever been looking for ways to put a stop to having to bend to his uncle's evil machinations and finally gets word that his mother wrote her own diary hidden in the margins of a book and what she wrote will destroy his uncle. To the library, everyone!
He drew her to her feet with no effort but then pulled her closer so that they were nearly embracing. She could feel his breath on her lips when he spoke. “I hope, for your sake, that I can trust you.”
With Elspeth's background of growing up in a matriarchal commune, she doesn't understand or want to adhere to societal norms, and Julian's cold childhood and being taught to hide his feelings for fear his uncle will go after whatever he loves, you can see the grumpy/sunshine forming. There's also the added “unnatural” desires Julian has, he's a submissive in the bedroom. Fortunately, “I've read about it in a book” Elspeth takes to dominating him like a duck to water and the second half gets to deliver on one of Hoyt's strengths, hot bedroom scenes. There was also the added danger of if there are one or two assassins trying to kill Elspeth or Julian or both.
Dear God, Elspeth de Moray was dangerous, but not for the reasons he’d first assumed.
Now, with all the patches I've laid out, you can see how this would be a complicated quilt design, and the flow kind of took a hit at times. There came a point where there were a lot of familial and Wise Women characters to keep track of, the Wise Women storyline I was finding hard to care about, and the evil uncle stayed a little too much to the background for me to really feel the danger. The romance felt like it got boxed in a bit and came down to Elspeth instantly just knowing how to dominate Julian, which did provide some hot but I wanted more of the emotional outside of the bedroom to feel the love building and growing. But, if you're a library scene person, you'll get plenty of that here.
“I’ve tried resisting you,” he murmured, his voice deep.
The ending gave us a betrayal by Elspeth, which felt a little forced because I think the groundwork was there character wise and how she thought/felt about Julian to trust him more, to deliver the black moment. Things move kind of quickly from there and the wrap-up felt a little everything working out with a bow and then a very last second danger moment (seriously, my Kindle said 93%) that delivered an ending that felt somewhat abrupt in action but character wise, emotionally was alright, plus there was a “one month later” little epilogue to give us more of a solid closure. There are plenty of siblings left for their own story, added clues to further some story plots, and dangling threads with the Wise Women and Aurelia and Ranulf storyline to keep this series going. It's a series you'll have to want to stay on your toes with but Hoyt is usually worth it, in interesting plot (albeit disjointed this time), a setting, Georgian, that doesn't get published as much, and hot chemistry.
**************************************************************
THERE IS AN ARC OF THIS NOW ON MY KINDLE
Me to every plan/responsibility I had this weekend and instead locking myself away with this book
December 10, 2024
This was disappointing in every way.
Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I've read most of her work and her Maiden Lane series is a masterclass in historical romance and balancing the elements of both plot and romance.
This one felt like that balance was really lacking. There was so much going on in the plot that the romance didn't get enough time to develop, and when it did, it didn't feel satisfying or believable.
Elizabeth Hoyt is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I've read most of her work and her Maiden Lane series is a masterclass in historical romance and balancing the elements of both plot and romance.
This one felt like that balance was really lacking. There was so much going on in the plot that the romance didn't get enough time to develop, and when it did, it didn't feel satisfying or believable.
December 11, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likable and strong female protagonist, an appealing male protagonist, intrigue, wit, engaging banter, sizzling chemistry, a sweet dog, a compelling quest, and a happily ever after ending. This is the third novel in Ms. Hoyt's outstanding Greycourt series, and it can easily be read as a stand alone, but it is even better when read in order. I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy of this outstanding novel from NetGalley, Ms. Hoyt, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest opinion.
December 17, 2024
No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Holt
Greycourt series #3. Historical romance.
Julian Greycourt is the heir to the Windemere dukedom. He’s always known that his uncle was responsible for his mother’s death but proving it has been difficult. He’s heard that his mother may have written in the margins of a book in one of the libraries and he’s going to search, one book at a time.
Lady Elspeth de Moray is looking for an ancient family book that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. She’s tried to be stealthy but she keeps running into Julian. They are his libraries but drat the man. Although he is surprisingly easy to talk to.
Getting stranded in one of the remote estates with a snowstorm on the way and making it impossible for the staff to get there is an unexpected development. But Elspeth is resourceful and knows how to cook and keeps the fires going. She may even teach Julian a thing or two. And he might be able to return the favor. Maybe they can get along after all.
Julian is keeping a scandalous secret. Being alone with Lady Elspeth might be a problem.
Tantalizing and even a bit steamy. Not scandalous for today’s readers but apparently hidden in regency days. I enjoyed the play between the two and that neither was hesitant with each other. I liked her practical side too.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Greycourt series #3. Historical romance.
Julian Greycourt is the heir to the Windemere dukedom. He’s always known that his uncle was responsible for his mother’s death but proving it has been difficult. He’s heard that his mother may have written in the margins of a book in one of the libraries and he’s going to search, one book at a time.
Lady Elspeth de Moray is looking for an ancient family book that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. She’s tried to be stealthy but she keeps running into Julian. They are his libraries but drat the man. Although he is surprisingly easy to talk to.
Getting stranded in one of the remote estates with a snowstorm on the way and making it impossible for the staff to get there is an unexpected development. But Elspeth is resourceful and knows how to cook and keeps the fires going. She may even teach Julian a thing or two. And he might be able to return the favor. Maybe they can get along after all.
Julian is keeping a scandalous secret. Being alone with Lady Elspeth might be a problem.
Tantalizing and even a bit steamy. Not scandalous for today’s readers but apparently hidden in regency days. I enjoyed the play between the two and that neither was hesitant with each other. I liked her practical side too.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
December 23, 2024
I was on the struggle bus with this one and barely finished it but it was like a bad train wreck and I just couldn't look away. Elspeth the FMC is looking for a book, Julian the MMC is looking for another book. These books are Important. They meet in a library while skulking about for said books. The meet cute was on point but then the entire thing proceeded to go downhill on a bike with no brakes.
First, there's too much plot. There's the aforementioned diaries/books. There's a matriarchal commune called (I kid you not) The Wise Women who have lost their way and need Elspeth and the diary of some Hag to find the righteous path again (not derogatory. Again not a joke) There's a mad bad Duke (and not the sexy kind) in the background who is doing things because he can or because he's evil? No idea...motivation is lacking in everyone. I had no idea why anyone was doing anything including why The MCs were into each other. The MMC has depraved sexual hunger? Ohhhh finally, I perk up hoping for some smutty smut. Alas, he's submissive which yesss please but Hoyt's idea of his "depravity" is having Elspeth tell him to get on his knees and service her. It was giving Gabriel St Vincent (iykyk)
Both sex scenes were exactly the same copy paste. Maybe there was a third? Because I don't recall them ever having penetrative sex? Might have passed out from sheer boredom and missed it. Also, virginal Elspeth raised in an all women commune takes to domination like a duck to water. She read a naughty book, you see so she immediately knows what Julian needs 🫠 There are a million and one characters from other books which I only read book two and it's been a couple of years so no I don't remember all these people 🥴 The pacing was wacky for the first 50% they just kept moving from scene to scene with no lead in. It read like a bunch of mismatched scenes barely cobbled together. The last half had vibes of the Hoyt in her Maiden Lane era but it didn't last long and by then nothing could have saved this for me. Except maybe one proper steamy submissive scene that involved more than him on his knees but nah can't get too spicy with these trad pub books or pearls might be clutched.
I like Hoyt, three of my all time favorite heroes were written by her but this was a mess.
⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Sunshine/grump
Age gap
Best Friend's sister
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
First, there's too much plot. There's the aforementioned diaries/books. There's a matriarchal commune called (I kid you not) The Wise Women who have lost their way and need Elspeth and the diary of some Hag to find the righteous path again (not derogatory. Again not a joke) There's a mad bad Duke (and not the sexy kind) in the background who is doing things because he can or because he's evil? No idea...motivation is lacking in everyone. I had no idea why anyone was doing anything including why The MCs were into each other. The MMC has depraved sexual hunger? Ohhhh finally, I perk up hoping for some smutty smut. Alas, he's submissive which yesss please but Hoyt's idea of his "depravity" is having Elspeth tell him to get on his knees and service her. It was giving Gabriel St Vincent (iykyk)
Both sex scenes were exactly the same copy paste. Maybe there was a third? Because I don't recall them ever having penetrative sex? Might have passed out from sheer boredom and missed it. Also, virginal Elspeth raised in an all women commune takes to domination like a duck to water. She read a naughty book, you see so she immediately knows what Julian needs 🫠 There are a million and one characters from other books which I only read book two and it's been a couple of years so no I don't remember all these people 🥴 The pacing was wacky for the first 50% they just kept moving from scene to scene with no lead in. It read like a bunch of mismatched scenes barely cobbled together. The last half had vibes of the Hoyt in her Maiden Lane era but it didn't last long and by then nothing could have saved this for me. Except maybe one proper steamy submissive scene that involved more than him on his knees but nah can't get too spicy with these trad pub books or pearls might be clutched.
I like Hoyt, three of my all time favorite heroes were written by her but this was a mess.
⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Sunshine/grump
Age gap
Best Friend's sister
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
Stay cool and calculating! Stay the course!
Lady Elspeth de Moray met a stranger in the Duke of Windermere’s library. When voices were heard outside the stranger whipped her up to an upper area to hide. What’s happening?
Well, apart from the fact that Elspeth liked the smell and feel of him and actually sniffed him! Yes, that’s right sniffed him! That was the first meeting between Elspeth and Julian Greycourt, the duke’s nephew and heir. Oh, and it turns out Elspeth’s brother Ran is Julian’s enemy!
Elspeth has come to England from Scotland to search the Greycourt libraries. She belongs to a secret organization that helps females, the Wise Women. However the Hags have become fearful. They have closed ranks and are withdrawing. Elspeth believes that’s wrong and is looking for their founder’s writings, Maighread’s diary.
Julian is also searching for notes, his mother’s diary. He believes it contains evidence of his morally corrupt and despicable uncle’s habits and practices, from trade to straight out killing.
Julian maintains an outward appearance of coldness, of unemtionalism. He must. He can’t let his uncle have any hold over him.
Of course the two join forces at some stage and of course they’re attracted, nay obsessed with each other. Their sexual interaction might seem different, certainly Julian is afraid of being exposed.
It’s ironic that Julian’s Dominatrix sexual proclivities are seen as depraved by a society that’s rife with depravity.
Another fascinating addition to the Greycourt series.
A Forever ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Lady Elspeth de Moray met a stranger in the Duke of Windermere’s library. When voices were heard outside the stranger whipped her up to an upper area to hide. What’s happening?
Well, apart from the fact that Elspeth liked the smell and feel of him and actually sniffed him! Yes, that’s right sniffed him! That was the first meeting between Elspeth and Julian Greycourt, the duke’s nephew and heir. Oh, and it turns out Elspeth’s brother Ran is Julian’s enemy!
Elspeth has come to England from Scotland to search the Greycourt libraries. She belongs to a secret organization that helps females, the Wise Women. However the Hags have become fearful. They have closed ranks and are withdrawing. Elspeth believes that’s wrong and is looking for their founder’s writings, Maighread’s diary.
Julian is also searching for notes, his mother’s diary. He believes it contains evidence of his morally corrupt and despicable uncle’s habits and practices, from trade to straight out killing.
Julian maintains an outward appearance of coldness, of unemtionalism. He must. He can’t let his uncle have any hold over him.
Of course the two join forces at some stage and of course they’re attracted, nay obsessed with each other. Their sexual interaction might seem different, certainly Julian is afraid of being exposed.
It’s ironic that Julian’s Dominatrix sexual proclivities are seen as depraved by a society that’s rife with depravity.
Another fascinating addition to the Greycourt series.
A Forever ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
December 30, 2024
1.5⭐️
This series was overall a huge miss for me, so I only have myself to blame for continuing to read it... I think elizabeth hoyt is a great writer, and I loved so many of her books, but this series is a huge disappointment, and I didn't like any book in this series...
This series was overall a huge miss for me, so I only have myself to blame for continuing to read it... I think elizabeth hoyt is a great writer, and I loved so many of her books, but this series is a huge disappointment, and I didn't like any book in this series...
November 1, 2024
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a while since we got a new Greycourt story. Overall, there are two main things happening in this series: 1) a brutal murder that destroyed friendships and 2) the wise women society. The former is incredibly interesting, and that's what keeps me invested in the series. The latter...is weakly executed.
The icy Julian Greycourt suspects that his uncle killed his mother, and he's convinced that she left evidence behind in a book. Lady Elspeth de Moray is also looking for a book, one that is related to the wise women society, and she's convinced that this book is located in one of the Greycourt libraries. But Elspeth's job is complicated by the fact that her brother was blamed for killing Julian's sister many years ago.
Okay, as I mentioned before, anything to do with the wise women is weakly executed. And that's what brings down my rating for the most part. That being said, I devoured anything to do with the family history, which I think is the strength of the Greycourt series. I'm not sure why the wise women is needed. I get that the author is trying to create something like the ghost of st. giles, but it's just not working out for me.
As for the romance, we have an icy, stern, and emotionally constipated hero. And then we have a sunny and cheerful heroine who crawls under his skin. Their individual journeys intersect because they are both looking for secret diaries. I mean, what's not to like about this set up? The fact that these two share a complicated family history makes the romantic set up even more fun. And I was actually invested in the romance...at first.
Now that I finished the book, I can't help but feel there was something missing in the romance. The pacing was very sluggish. The sub/dom aspect didn't feel organic. And it's disappointing because I know Elizabeth Hoyt can definitely make it work. But something just went wrong along the way and I can't even tell you what it was lol. Maybe it was the pacing? Maybe it was the static setting? Maybe it was Elspeth's unbelievable wise women motivation? A mix of all three things?
Anyway, the set up was interesting, and I'm definitely invested in the family history and dynamic. Julian's backstory was interesting, and I was truly rooting for him to take revenge against his uncle. But the wise women part of the storyline just felt unnecessary, in my opinion. And there was something missing in the romance, even though Julian and Elspeth had some great moments together. This isn't the best Elizabeth Hoyt book, but there were enough good moments that I enjoyed reading. So, 3 stars it is.
It's been a while since we got a new Greycourt story. Overall, there are two main things happening in this series: 1) a brutal murder that destroyed friendships and 2) the wise women society. The former is incredibly interesting, and that's what keeps me invested in the series. The latter...is weakly executed.
The icy Julian Greycourt suspects that his uncle killed his mother, and he's convinced that she left evidence behind in a book. Lady Elspeth de Moray is also looking for a book, one that is related to the wise women society, and she's convinced that this book is located in one of the Greycourt libraries. But Elspeth's job is complicated by the fact that her brother was blamed for killing Julian's sister many years ago.
Okay, as I mentioned before, anything to do with the wise women is weakly executed. And that's what brings down my rating for the most part. That being said, I devoured anything to do with the family history, which I think is the strength of the Greycourt series. I'm not sure why the wise women is needed. I get that the author is trying to create something like the ghost of st. giles, but it's just not working out for me.
As for the romance, we have an icy, stern, and emotionally constipated hero. And then we have a sunny and cheerful heroine who crawls under his skin. Their individual journeys intersect because they are both looking for secret diaries. I mean, what's not to like about this set up? The fact that these two share a complicated family history makes the romantic set up even more fun. And I was actually invested in the romance...at first.
Now that I finished the book, I can't help but feel there was something missing in the romance. The pacing was very sluggish. The sub/dom aspect didn't feel organic. And it's disappointing because I know Elizabeth Hoyt can definitely make it work. But something just went wrong along the way and I can't even tell you what it was lol. Maybe it was the pacing? Maybe it was the static setting? Maybe it was Elspeth's unbelievable wise women motivation? A mix of all three things?
Anyway, the set up was interesting, and I'm definitely invested in the family history and dynamic. Julian's backstory was interesting, and I was truly rooting for him to take revenge against his uncle. But the wise women part of the storyline just felt unnecessary, in my opinion. And there was something missing in the romance, even though Julian and Elspeth had some great moments together. This isn't the best Elizabeth Hoyt book, but there were enough good moments that I enjoyed reading. So, 3 stars it is.
December 14, 2024
Hoyt is back, and I love it! I was a little nervous to start this as I wanted it to work so much. Too much pressure for a boo, typically. However, it certainly felt like Hoyt, with a fun fairytale that went along with the story (have always enjoyed this touch she gives). With her website going down, this book’s release date being pushed back a few times, I believe, I thought it also might be disappointing. Thankfully, that was not the case, and while I would not put it up with my very favorite of Hoyt’s, I thought it was very good and enjoyable.
This had some of the same hallmarks you expect from Hoyt, but it was also different. Julian and Elspeth were likable leads, especially Elspeth. I love a practical, capable female character, and she certainly was that. The relationship between the was unlike one she has written before and dissimilar from what is typically found in HR. You would more likely find the type of relationship in erotica. However, it was written tastefully and should not be a barrier to most HR readers. I would recommend this book and I hope she continues with the series, as it is really starting to pull me in.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.
This had some of the same hallmarks you expect from Hoyt, but it was also different. Julian and Elspeth were likable leads, especially Elspeth. I love a practical, capable female character, and she certainly was that. The relationship between the was unlike one she has written before and dissimilar from what is typically found in HR. You would more likely find the type of relationship in erotica. However, it was written tastefully and should not be a barrier to most HR readers. I would recommend this book and I hope she continues with the series, as it is really starting to pull me in.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.
November 11, 2024
The Vibes: stern hero/perky heroine, femdom with an alpha submissive, caretaking, and soothing long-held wounds
Heat Index: 8/10
The Basics:
Elspeth and Julian come from families with a deep history of betrayal and dislike. He's cold, brooding, and strictly regimented; she's free-spirited, quirky, and... oh yeah, aligned with a centuries-old secret society of Wise Women. Julian is on the hunt that his wicked uncle murdered his mother, which brings him directly into Elspeth's path as she seeks out an ancient text of vital importance. As they continue on their separate missions, they keep running into each other—and sharing secrets... and perhaps discovering that their feelings run far beyond on the forbidden....
The Review:
THE QUEEN HAS RETURNED.
I will read anything Elizabeth Hoyt writes. She's written several all-time favorites of mine (Thief of Shadows, Duke of Midnight, The Raven Prince, Sweetest Scoundrel... to name a few) and her Maiden Lane series is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest things committed to the romance genre. She takes big swings, she writes some of the best sex scenes on the block, and she pays equal attention to the characterization of her tortured heroes and her varied heroines who, frankly, rarely have time for said heroes' collective shit.
I have missed her, and I was honestly getting a little worried that she'd decided to take a step back. But I kept the faith! And it paid off, because this return release is everything I could have asked for. It reminds me of what historical romance can be, how it can stretch, and how it can, at the same time, harken back to the bonkers romps I love most.
There is, by the way, a bonkers overarching plot that honestly isn't as wild as Hoyt can get, but. You know. There's a mystical ancient society of goddess-abiding women and also the whole thing where Elspeth's brother killed Julian's sister (Many Thoughts On This) and the hunt for two separate crucial books... It's still wacky. And it should be!
That being said, this plot falls to the wayside in favor of Julian and Elspeth's relationship and character development. I feel like the first Greycourt book, Not the Duke's Darling, which I actually did like, might not have hit as hard for some readers because the Other Plot kind of overtook the Romance Plot. That is not the case here at all. Elspeth and Julian are so front and center that I feel like the Other Plot is borderline tangential, aside from the battle against the Evil Uncle (who you will have seen in When A Rogue Meets His Match, which I really enjoyed a lot but need to reread). You get a satisfying follow-through on all that, but you're absolutely reading for a truly swoony, hot, FEELINGS-Y romance.
I am a longtime lover of books that are basically "stoic man who's constantly wrapped up in his tragic backstory is flabbergasted by That Broad's Audacity". That... could just be how you sum up this book. At every turn, Julian, who it must be said is stupid hot, tries to stay devoted to his brooding. And at every turn, Elspeth pokes him, blinks, and goes "Why is that?"
When she's not reading Georgian porn. Which she does a lot, for someone who's on the hunt for an ancient, super important book. While also dodging assassination attempts. And that's so valid of her.
Julian just can't deal with Elspeth. She baffles him. He's supposed to hate her! She's the sister of the guy who killed his sister! Mortal enemies and all that! Also, she's seriously getting in the way of his own hunt, what with her constantly getting almost murdered and, you know, That Ass. And she's just so disarming, so honest (... in some ways), so blunt about her interests, her desires, what she believes in and what she doesn't. She immediately begins worming her way into his heart, while also making him Hard As A Rock.
But he can't allow for worming into hearts! Not when he has so many secrets, from Plotty Secrets I can't tell you about, to Sexy Secrets I can tell you about. In many ways, this book is basically a classic melting of the hero book. But instead of Elspeth melting Julian with her good, innocent heart... She's melting him with her dogged inability to be anything other than who she is. And her disinterest in being anything other than who she is, for that matter. Which is such a great contrast to Julian, a man struggling to deny who he is, to be what society wants him to be.
It's Uptight Meets Wild in a lot of ways, but Elspeth's a unique form of a rebellious heroine. She's not super concerned about society, but she's also open about her lack of experience in some ways. She's not mean in any way, shape or form. She doesn't have a chip on her shoulder. She's not really like... fighting society? There's one tirade she has about the hypocrisy of it all, but it's less "Fight the power" than "this is so fucking stupid". Which is a refreshing take on it all. Elspeth doesn't get it because it's all so dumb that like... no one as real as her should be able to get it.
And before anyone goes in on how unrealistic this is, A) it isn't B) this is a romance novel C) it actually makes sense, because Elspeth's backstory literally involves being raised in an anti-society, weird family with their own ingrained beliefs and customs. Literally away from high society.
For all that I think the sex scenes in this book will be a major talking point (more on that later)... dude. This shit is so soft at points. You have multiple scenes where Julian just catches himself wanting to stare at this woman. Even before she understands the extent of his pain, she wants to care for him. This is not an enemies to lovers book, despite the enmity between their families. There's a melancholy to their forbidden, especially on Julian's part. He's baffled by Elspeth, but he doesn't dislike her. He's not even in denial about his feelings for her, after a point. He just truly doesn't think they can be.
On some more technical points—this JUMPS right into the story. They meet on like... the second page. The plot kicks off immediately. I've seen so many slooooow, overlong new releases lately. This is a brisk, story that reads so quickly and isn't in any way overlong. You have an extended chunk that takes place in one setting, and yet... plot happens. Character development happens. Relationship building happens. Julian and Elspeth are together for so much of the pagetime, despite their opposite goals.
None of this should be like... notable. But it is. You feel the expertise in the writing here. She's just one of the best to ever do it, in my opinion.
Also! I respect Elizabeth's process and whatever may affect her writing schedule. But my God, I hope we get more Greycourt books, and I hope we get them fairly soon. I counted at least three possibilities for future love stories. And I have Thoughts.
The Sex:
NOW. On to the elephant in the room. The good elephant. The elephant that is as big as Julian's Appendage.
As I said earlier, Elizabeth Hoyt writes some of the best sex scenes in romance. They're unique, they're earthy, they feel tailored to the character. She uses language that is sometimes anatomical and sometimes campy and sometimes like... feels kinda filthy, even though I've read filthier?
Julian's struggles lie in the fact that, for all that he is cold and domineering and stoic, he's submissive in the bedroom. While Hoyt has definitely dabbled in some light kink in earlier books, I would say that a lot of it tends towards like... The kind of kinkiness you often seem in historicals. Where there are definitely dog whistles, but it may not be intentional (historical romance has long lended itself to an unconscious dip into D/s dynamics, in my opinion) historical romance kink often isn't explictly stated.
Here, it's called out for what it is, the societal judgments about it (some of which remain to this day, mind) are discussed, and Julian has processes. Elspeth is more than down. It's like he's unintentionally found his perfect woman (sexually, at least).
But for all that this is explicitly a femdom romance, I think it skirts around so many stereotypes, and it is not, in my opinion, a BDSM romance. They don't get into anything super OTT or formalized. It's really something Julian just... needs. And it's really not a sadomasochism situation at all. It's truly about this soft domme/sub dynamic. He wants to serve, and he wants to be cared for. His submission and what it gives him is described so beautifully. There's a lot of caretaking in this book.
Which doesn't in any way take away from how hot the book is, mind. There's a really unique de-emphasis on something historicals and honestly romance in general often obsesses over, which was so refreshing. There's a true sensitivity to why Julian is into this, and where it stops for him. I feel like Hoyt was doing a sendup of the tortured alpha here, while also exploring what that can mean in more unique scenarios. It was so good.
And so... sooooo hot. There's a lot of body worship in general and pussy worship specifically. Elspeth is curvy, and has her moments of insecurity, and Julian LOVES her body.
Those of us who missed some fun Hoyt-isms about sex are well-rewarded. "Lazily mouthed her cunny" is like.... everything....................
Basically: I loved this. I am so glad she's back. I hope she's back for good (but no pressure). I want a million more Hoyt books. I will, again, read whatever she writes. When I tell y'all she's showing us how it's done... I mean it.
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heat Index: 8/10
The Basics:
Elspeth and Julian come from families with a deep history of betrayal and dislike. He's cold, brooding, and strictly regimented; she's free-spirited, quirky, and... oh yeah, aligned with a centuries-old secret society of Wise Women. Julian is on the hunt that his wicked uncle murdered his mother, which brings him directly into Elspeth's path as she seeks out an ancient text of vital importance. As they continue on their separate missions, they keep running into each other—and sharing secrets... and perhaps discovering that their feelings run far beyond on the forbidden....
The Review:
THE QUEEN HAS RETURNED.
I will read anything Elizabeth Hoyt writes. She's written several all-time favorites of mine (Thief of Shadows, Duke of Midnight, The Raven Prince, Sweetest Scoundrel... to name a few) and her Maiden Lane series is, as far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest things committed to the romance genre. She takes big swings, she writes some of the best sex scenes on the block, and she pays equal attention to the characterization of her tortured heroes and her varied heroines who, frankly, rarely have time for said heroes' collective shit.
I have missed her, and I was honestly getting a little worried that she'd decided to take a step back. But I kept the faith! And it paid off, because this return release is everything I could have asked for. It reminds me of what historical romance can be, how it can stretch, and how it can, at the same time, harken back to the bonkers romps I love most.
There is, by the way, a bonkers overarching plot that honestly isn't as wild as Hoyt can get, but. You know. There's a mystical ancient society of goddess-abiding women and also the whole thing where Elspeth's brother killed Julian's sister (Many Thoughts On This) and the hunt for two separate crucial books... It's still wacky. And it should be!
That being said, this plot falls to the wayside in favor of Julian and Elspeth's relationship and character development. I feel like the first Greycourt book, Not the Duke's Darling, which I actually did like, might not have hit as hard for some readers because the Other Plot kind of overtook the Romance Plot. That is not the case here at all. Elspeth and Julian are so front and center that I feel like the Other Plot is borderline tangential, aside from the battle against the Evil Uncle (who you will have seen in When A Rogue Meets His Match, which I really enjoyed a lot but need to reread). You get a satisfying follow-through on all that, but you're absolutely reading for a truly swoony, hot, FEELINGS-Y romance.
I am a longtime lover of books that are basically "stoic man who's constantly wrapped up in his tragic backstory is flabbergasted by That Broad's Audacity". That... could just be how you sum up this book. At every turn, Julian, who it must be said is stupid hot, tries to stay devoted to his brooding. And at every turn, Elspeth pokes him, blinks, and goes "Why is that?"
When she's not reading Georgian porn. Which she does a lot, for someone who's on the hunt for an ancient, super important book. While also dodging assassination attempts. And that's so valid of her.
Julian just can't deal with Elspeth. She baffles him. He's supposed to hate her! She's the sister of the guy who killed his sister! Mortal enemies and all that! Also, she's seriously getting in the way of his own hunt, what with her constantly getting almost murdered and, you know, That Ass. And she's just so disarming, so honest (... in some ways), so blunt about her interests, her desires, what she believes in and what she doesn't. She immediately begins worming her way into his heart, while also making him Hard As A Rock.
But he can't allow for worming into hearts! Not when he has so many secrets, from Plotty Secrets I can't tell you about, to Sexy Secrets I can tell you about. In many ways, this book is basically a classic melting of the hero book. But instead of Elspeth melting Julian with her good, innocent heart... She's melting him with her dogged inability to be anything other than who she is. And her disinterest in being anything other than who she is, for that matter. Which is such a great contrast to Julian, a man struggling to deny who he is, to be what society wants him to be.
It's Uptight Meets Wild in a lot of ways, but Elspeth's a unique form of a rebellious heroine. She's not super concerned about society, but she's also open about her lack of experience in some ways. She's not mean in any way, shape or form. She doesn't have a chip on her shoulder. She's not really like... fighting society? There's one tirade she has about the hypocrisy of it all, but it's less "Fight the power" than "this is so fucking stupid". Which is a refreshing take on it all. Elspeth doesn't get it because it's all so dumb that like... no one as real as her should be able to get it.
And before anyone goes in on how unrealistic this is, A) it isn't B) this is a romance novel C) it actually makes sense, because Elspeth's backstory literally involves being raised in an anti-society, weird family with their own ingrained beliefs and customs. Literally away from high society.
For all that I think the sex scenes in this book will be a major talking point (more on that later)... dude. This shit is so soft at points. You have multiple scenes where Julian just catches himself wanting to stare at this woman. Even before she understands the extent of his pain, she wants to care for him. This is not an enemies to lovers book, despite the enmity between their families. There's a melancholy to their forbidden, especially on Julian's part. He's baffled by Elspeth, but he doesn't dislike her. He's not even in denial about his feelings for her, after a point. He just truly doesn't think they can be.
On some more technical points—this JUMPS right into the story. They meet on like... the second page. The plot kicks off immediately. I've seen so many slooooow, overlong new releases lately. This is a brisk, story that reads so quickly and isn't in any way overlong. You have an extended chunk that takes place in one setting, and yet... plot happens. Character development happens. Relationship building happens. Julian and Elspeth are together for so much of the pagetime, despite their opposite goals.
None of this should be like... notable. But it is. You feel the expertise in the writing here. She's just one of the best to ever do it, in my opinion.
Also! I respect Elizabeth's process and whatever may affect her writing schedule. But my God, I hope we get more Greycourt books, and I hope we get them fairly soon. I counted at least three possibilities for future love stories. And I have Thoughts.
The Sex:
NOW. On to the elephant in the room. The good elephant. The elephant that is as big as Julian's Appendage.
As I said earlier, Elizabeth Hoyt writes some of the best sex scenes in romance. They're unique, they're earthy, they feel tailored to the character. She uses language that is sometimes anatomical and sometimes campy and sometimes like... feels kinda filthy, even though I've read filthier?
Julian's struggles lie in the fact that, for all that he is cold and domineering and stoic, he's submissive in the bedroom. While Hoyt has definitely dabbled in some light kink in earlier books, I would say that a lot of it tends towards like... The kind of kinkiness you often seem in historicals. Where there are definitely dog whistles, but it may not be intentional (historical romance has long lended itself to an unconscious dip into D/s dynamics, in my opinion) historical romance kink often isn't explictly stated.
Here, it's called out for what it is, the societal judgments about it (some of which remain to this day, mind) are discussed, and Julian has processes. Elspeth is more than down. It's like he's unintentionally found his perfect woman (sexually, at least).
But for all that this is explicitly a femdom romance, I think it skirts around so many stereotypes, and it is not, in my opinion, a BDSM romance. They don't get into anything super OTT or formalized. It's really something Julian just... needs. And it's really not a sadomasochism situation at all. It's truly about this soft domme/sub dynamic. He wants to serve, and he wants to be cared for. His submission and what it gives him is described so beautifully. There's a lot of caretaking in this book.
Which doesn't in any way take away from how hot the book is, mind. There's a really unique de-emphasis on something historicals and honestly romance in general often obsesses over, which was so refreshing. There's a true sensitivity to why Julian is into this, and where it stops for him. I feel like Hoyt was doing a sendup of the tortured alpha here, while also exploring what that can mean in more unique scenarios. It was so good.
And so... sooooo hot. There's a lot of body worship in general and pussy worship specifically. Elspeth is curvy, and has her moments of insecurity, and Julian LOVES her body.
Those of us who missed some fun Hoyt-isms about sex are well-rewarded. "Lazily mouthed her cunny" is like.... everything....................
Basically: I loved this. I am so glad she's back. I hope she's back for good (but no pressure). I want a million more Hoyt books. I will, again, read whatever she writes. When I tell y'all she's showing us how it's done... I mean it.
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2024
Elsbeth enjoys going to the library. She keeps running into Julian who used to be a friend of her brothers. I really liked the chemistry between them.
December 2, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (there were a few lulls for me though)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (I feel like these were shorter than her usual scenes??)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really?
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes, a month later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy that is no longer advanced because I’m late AF through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I read the first two books in the series and was curious about the third
Mains: Julian Greycourt and Lady Elspeth de Moray – This is a M/F relationship between between a cishet hero and heroine (my assumption – there is a mention of hero trying oral with a man but he didn’t enjoy)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Elspeth placed an experimental hand on his thigh. Yes, his legs were muscular as well. And encased in velvet. It made one want to run one’s hands down the soft yet hard length of his thigh.
The gentleman stiffened before pulling her hand from his leg and placing it in her lap.
She looked down. He hadn’t let go, and it was fascinating how big his hand was next to hers – his fingers encased her wrist quite easily.
Should I read in order?
It’s probably best in order – I find it a bit more stand alone than her Maiden Lane series but there is still overarching plots and themes that run through all the books. This book I think relates to the first books more than book 2 (which I felt was more stand alone) – so ideally yes.
Basic plot:
Elspeth is searching for an important text when she finds Julian hiding in the library...
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian – 1760
- curvier heroine
- working together to solve a problem/take down a villain
- age gap – he’s older by 12 years
- rival families-ish
- opposites attract – some sunshine (her) and darkness (him) vibes
- she doms
- medium steam – 3ish full scenes (I could be off, I wrote my review way after finishing this book)
Ages:
- heroine is 21, I think hero is 33
First line:
Private libraries were extraordinary, Lady Elspeth de Moray mused.
My thoughts:
I was conflicted about this one. I loved the initial scene with them in the library when they meet. But then the story really stalled for me for much of the book. I don’t know what I wanted. But I wasn’t interested really in the mystery – I feel like some of background of this heroine’s organization was described in book 1 but I read that too long ago to really remember...maybe I needed a refresher. But as it was I just didn’t care too much about it. And it also started giving a decent amount of focus to another side character for a future story.
I did love the intimate scenes for the most part. There was just something about Julian whimpering and begging Eslpeth….
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 8 35534444
Average rating from me: 4 stars
Favorite book: Maybe Scandalous Desires?
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (there were a few lulls for me though)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (I feel like these were shorter than her usual scenes??)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really?
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes, a month later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy that is no longer advanced because I’m late AF through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I read the first two books in the series and was curious about the third
Mains: Julian Greycourt and Lady Elspeth de Moray – This is a M/F relationship between between a cishet hero and heroine (my assumption – there is a mention of hero trying oral with a man but he didn’t enjoy)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Elspeth placed an experimental hand on his thigh. Yes, his legs were muscular as well. And encased in velvet. It made one want to run one’s hands down the soft yet hard length of his thigh.
The gentleman stiffened before pulling her hand from his leg and placing it in her lap.
She looked down. He hadn’t let go, and it was fascinating how big his hand was next to hers – his fingers encased her wrist quite easily.
Should I read in order?
It’s probably best in order – I find it a bit more stand alone than her Maiden Lane series but there is still overarching plots and themes that run through all the books. This book I think relates to the first books more than book 2 (which I felt was more stand alone) – so ideally yes.
Basic plot:
Elspeth is searching for an important text when she finds Julian hiding in the library...
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian – 1760
- curvier heroine
- working together to solve a problem/take down a villain
- age gap – he’s older by 12 years
- rival families-ish
- opposites attract – some sunshine (her) and darkness (him) vibes
- she doms
- medium steam – 3ish full scenes (I could be off, I wrote my review way after finishing this book)
Ages:
- heroine is 21, I think hero is 33
First line:
Private libraries were extraordinary, Lady Elspeth de Moray mused.
My thoughts:
I was conflicted about this one. I loved the initial scene with them in the library when they meet. But then the story really stalled for me for much of the book. I don’t know what I wanted. But I wasn’t interested really in the mystery – I feel like some of background of this heroine’s organization was described in book 1 but I read that too long ago to really remember...maybe I needed a refresher. But as it was I just didn’t care too much about it. And it also started giving a decent amount of focus to another side character for a future story.
I did love the intimate scenes for the most part. There was just something about Julian whimpering and begging Eslpeth….
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 8 35534444
Average rating from me: 4 stars
Favorite book: Maybe Scandalous Desires?
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Read
November 17, 2024ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
DNF, I stopped at the halfway point. Not rating it as I didn't finish.
I have read some of the authors books way back when.
This had way too much going on and not much on the romance. I had a goodreads friend say it get's better after the halfway point but I couldn't push myself to go on. I had no interest in the story anymore or the characters.
A lot of scene's and situations happening, became to "busy" and confusiing.
Sadly this didn't work for me.
DNF, I stopped at the halfway point. Not rating it as I didn't finish.
I have read some of the authors books way back when.
This had way too much going on and not much on the romance. I had a goodreads friend say it get's better after the halfway point but I couldn't push myself to go on. I had no interest in the story anymore or the characters.
A lot of scene's and situations happening, became to "busy" and confusiing.
Sadly this didn't work for me.
November 23, 2024
she had a gun and she pulled it on multiple men
#womeninmaledominatedfields
thank you to Little Brown Book Group for providing the review copy!
#womeninmaledominatedfields
thank you to Little Brown Book Group for providing the review copy!
Want to read
August 12, 2023I don't have the highest hopes for this one as the first two gave me whiplash from how little they made sense and how rushed they were. but i'll still give it a shot as I love me some classic EH
December 10, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
No Ordinary Duchess is the third book in the Greycourt series. Like most historical romance, it is not necessary that you read the prior books to be able to follow this story, however I would recommended that you read When a Rogue Meets his Match as there are some overarching arcs with an evil uncle that may make the book more enjoyable.
Julian Greycourt is the heir to the Greycourt family estate and will inherit when his uncle dies, that is if he can stay alive longer than his uncle that is. Someone seems to want to kill him or ruin him and Julian has a huge secret that if found out could disgrace him from society. He is looking for an edge against his Uncle and on a tip from a servant, goes looking for a book his mother wrote in before she died.
Elsbeth is also looking for a book, except hers has the original history of the wise women she was a part of. The ruling council of the wise women has shut them down from helping women outside their community but Elsbeth is sure if she can find the founding documents she can help restore it to what it was always meant to be. The one issue is that it is rumored to be in one of the Greycourt's libraries.
When she and Julian end up at his estate outside London, stuck due to weather, sparks fly between them. Elsbeth gets Julian in a way no other woman has seemed to. She is everything he is not, bright, cheery, full of inquisitiveness and not at all shy about exploring whatever is happening between them. Julian has never felt accepted but the woman who infuriates him one minute, gets him on such a deep level he isn't sure how he is going to find a way keep her.
I liked this story. The uncle is awful but the siblings who lost their sister and parents years ago are finally forging a family together and trying to protect one another the best they can. Julian's secret while shameful to society was unusual and interesting in a Historical Romance novel and a nice little change up from what we normally see. I liked Elsbeth and the way her mind worked. It was so much fun reading her interactions with Julian and she brought out the best in him.
The conclusion to this book was extremely satisfying. I liked how both Julian and Elsbeth protected each other in their own ways and the lessons that Elsbeth learned about herself in this.
Review copy was received from . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
No Ordinary Duchess is the third book in the Greycourt series. Like most historical romance, it is not necessary that you read the prior books to be able to follow this story, however I would recommended that you read When a Rogue Meets his Match as there are some overarching arcs with an evil uncle that may make the book more enjoyable.
Julian Greycourt is the heir to the Greycourt family estate and will inherit when his uncle dies, that is if he can stay alive longer than his uncle that is. Someone seems to want to kill him or ruin him and Julian has a huge secret that if found out could disgrace him from society. He is looking for an edge against his Uncle and on a tip from a servant, goes looking for a book his mother wrote in before she died.
Elsbeth is also looking for a book, except hers has the original history of the wise women she was a part of. The ruling council of the wise women has shut them down from helping women outside their community but Elsbeth is sure if she can find the founding documents she can help restore it to what it was always meant to be. The one issue is that it is rumored to be in one of the Greycourt's libraries.
When she and Julian end up at his estate outside London, stuck due to weather, sparks fly between them. Elsbeth gets Julian in a way no other woman has seemed to. She is everything he is not, bright, cheery, full of inquisitiveness and not at all shy about exploring whatever is happening between them. Julian has never felt accepted but the woman who infuriates him one minute, gets him on such a deep level he isn't sure how he is going to find a way keep her.
I liked this story. The uncle is awful but the siblings who lost their sister and parents years ago are finally forging a family together and trying to protect one another the best they can. Julian's secret while shameful to society was unusual and interesting in a Historical Romance novel and a nice little change up from what we normally see. I liked Elsbeth and the way her mind worked. It was so much fun reading her interactions with Julian and she brought out the best in him.
The conclusion to this book was extremely satisfying. I liked how both Julian and Elsbeth protected each other in their own ways and the lessons that Elsbeth learned about herself in this.
"One can live without books. Birds live, Cats live. Even the best of dogs live. But only humans can soar on the words from a book. Stories fling us high into the clouds with imagination. Poems make hearts weep with emotion. Science stuns the mind with wonder." She let her hands fall to her lap. "Without the stimulation of literature, you can live, yes. But your soul will be earthbound. A clod without imagination."
January 10, 2025
I slogged through to the end because I truly didn’t have anything else to read on my train commute this morning.
But truly I don’t have much more to say than I did when I quit reading at half way. The ending is ridiculously dramatic and poorly written. The conflict between the two of them is so much TELL! And I couldn’t even bring myself to care. Also please stop using the word love. And the focus on the submissive side of Julian’s sexual desires was too much! It can’t be his whole personality!
This is horrible. I really don’t know why people are commenting on the writing being good. It’s not. Hoyt had trouble with this one; the publishing date kept moving , and it’s obvious this was a slog to write. It’s a slog to read too.
Finally, even the snail’s pace of movement forward for the family drama is not worth this whole horrible slog. And most of the time of the book is spent with Elspeth trying to find a diary to save the Wise Women and then she gets back together with Julian and just… forgets about it? That whole part of the story just never got finished. Honestly who was editing this?
It’s safe with exceptions.
Off page Julian hires a sex worker to meet him at his country estate. Then on page, when he arrives all *raring* to go—like WORKED UP— the sex worker isn’t there because the roads are washing out in a storm. We just find this out as he asks the housekeeper where the woman is. But our FMC is there already searching his library unbeknownst to him. So he screams at her that he is looking for his whore and runs through the house looking for her. The FMC is just intrigued and curious, not at all upset or betrayed feeling.
Also our MMC, Julian, mentions his hired sex workers many times throughout the book. So if that is gonna bother you. Another reason to skip.
But truly I don’t have much more to say than I did when I quit reading at half way. The ending is ridiculously dramatic and poorly written. The conflict between the two of them is so much TELL! And I couldn’t even bring myself to care. Also please stop using the word love. And the focus on the submissive side of Julian’s sexual desires was too much! It can’t be his whole personality!
This is horrible. I really don’t know why people are commenting on the writing being good. It’s not. Hoyt had trouble with this one; the publishing date kept moving , and it’s obvious this was a slog to write. It’s a slog to read too.
Finally, even the snail’s pace of movement forward for the family drama is not worth this whole horrible slog. And most of the time of the book is spent with Elspeth trying to find a diary to save the Wise Women and then she gets back together with Julian and just… forgets about it? That whole part of the story just never got finished. Honestly who was editing this?
It’s safe with exceptions.
Off page Julian hires a sex worker to meet him at his country estate. Then on page, when he arrives all *raring* to go—like WORKED UP— the sex worker isn’t there because the roads are washing out in a storm. We just find this out as he asks the housekeeper where the woman is. But our FMC is there already searching his library unbeknownst to him. So he screams at her that he is looking for his whore and runs through the house looking for her. The FMC is just intrigued and curious, not at all upset or betrayed feeling.
Also our MMC, Julian, mentions his hired sex workers many times throughout the book. So if that is gonna bother you. Another reason to skip.
March 12, 2025
Julian Greycourt is going to be the Duke of Windemere, someday, when he runs into Lady Elspeth de Moray in a variety of libraries. Turns out they're both looking for books! And they're both into one another but Julian has a SUPER DUPER SECRET THAT WILL DESTROY HIM FOREVER.
1. I do appreciate that Hoyt continues to explore non-traditional sexual preferences in her traditional romances!
2. That said, I also have to acknowledge that Julian's """"deviancy"""" is kept relatively superficial: more sprinkles on the vanilla vs. actually Going There. Which makes sense, I suppose, and it mostly sets up the future of the main couple—but Julian and Elspeth never truly have a frank conversation about what their sexual relationship is going to look like. Which is kind of a miss for a romance wanting to "dabble" in non-traditional preferences, because clarity and consent is even more critical in the types of situations a dom/sub relationship introduces!
3. On top of my concerns with #2, I also have concerns with how vaguely handled Julian's abusive past is handled. He intimates that his uncle routinely emotionally and psychologically traumatized him as he grew up: pets and servants disappeared, favorite items destroyed, family members threatened, etc. It's serious shit! But Hoyt doesn't really unpack it beyond letting Julian drop trauma-bombs into every conversation.
4. The Wise Women plot was....unnecessary and distracting and underdeveloped. I honestly do not care about it???
5. Also I'm even more convinced that Aurelia is still alive and it'll be the capper book. BOO.
6. The ominous uncle was truly skin-crawly and evil, but because there's so much else happening he's kept a little too far in the background to truly feel like a good climatic villain for the thing? Which was kind of frustrating, since he was SO ick.
7. Overall, I do like Hoyt's prose and her characters: this particular entry just had a pretty weak plot and a few too many Big Time Threads for the thing to come together effectively.
1. I do appreciate that Hoyt continues to explore non-traditional sexual preferences in her traditional romances!
2. That said, I also have to acknowledge that Julian's """"deviancy"""" is kept relatively superficial: more sprinkles on the vanilla vs. actually Going There. Which makes sense, I suppose, and it mostly sets up the future of the main couple—but Julian and Elspeth never truly have a frank conversation about what their sexual relationship is going to look like. Which is kind of a miss for a romance wanting to "dabble" in non-traditional preferences, because clarity and consent is even more critical in the types of situations a dom/sub relationship introduces!
3. On top of my concerns with #2, I also have concerns with how vaguely handled Julian's abusive past is handled. He intimates that his uncle routinely emotionally and psychologically traumatized him as he grew up: pets and servants disappeared, favorite items destroyed, family members threatened, etc. It's serious shit! But Hoyt doesn't really unpack it beyond letting Julian drop trauma-bombs into every conversation.
4. The Wise Women plot was....unnecessary and distracting and underdeveloped. I honestly do not care about it???
5. Also I'm even more convinced that Aurelia is still alive and it'll be the capper book. BOO.
6. The ominous uncle was truly skin-crawly and evil, but because there's so much else happening he's kept a little too far in the background to truly feel like a good climatic villain for the thing? Which was kind of frustrating, since he was SO ick.
7. Overall, I do like Hoyt's prose and her characters: this particular entry just had a pretty weak plot and a few too many Big Time Threads for the thing to come together effectively.
April 7, 2025
This was very interesting. I like the drama within the family and the side story about witches.
Julian is the heir to a dukedom but his uncle is crazy and awful and doesn’t want him to become Duke. Julian has lost a number of people because of his uncle and he is desperately trying to bring him down.
Elspeth is kind of part of this witch council (here for it) she is open minded and loves books. She is looking everywhere for this one book which leads her to Julian’s library and his bedroom 😏
Julian is the heir to a dukedom but his uncle is crazy and awful and doesn’t want him to become Duke. Julian has lost a number of people because of his uncle and he is desperately trying to bring him down.
Elspeth is kind of part of this witch council (here for it) she is open minded and loves books. She is looking everywhere for this one book which leads her to Julian’s library and his bedroom 😏
December 16, 2024
⭐️3.5
🌶️ yes
A fun cute read with a dominant FMC in historical romance is a twist.
December 23, 2024
This just was not it. I’ve read all of Elizabeth Hoyt’s books and was excited for a new historical romance from her. This book was a long time coming and while I’m glad it finally got its release, it also just didn’t work for me.
The only book in this series I’ve liked is book 2 because it feels a little separate and different than book 1 and 3. If you were like me and not a fan of book 1, then this book is probably not going to work for you either. Basically we are back to these 2 families, the Duke of Windermere is involved again and so is his nephew Julian Greycourt this time. We get the Wise Women plot again (like book 1) which just hasn’t worked for me. She very much takes charge in their physical relationship as he likes to turn the reins over so to speak. I just wasn’t into the characters or the plot for this one. I’d still recommend books from this author since I have enjoyed most, it just wouldn’t be this book sadly.
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
The only book in this series I’ve liked is book 2 because it feels a little separate and different than book 1 and 3. If you were like me and not a fan of book 1, then this book is probably not going to work for you either. Basically we are back to these 2 families, the Duke of Windermere is involved again and so is his nephew Julian Greycourt this time. We get the Wise Women plot again (like book 1) which just hasn’t worked for me. She very much takes charge in their physical relationship as he likes to turn the reins over so to speak. I just wasn’t into the characters or the plot for this one. I’d still recommend books from this author since I have enjoyed most, it just wouldn’t be this book sadly.
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
Want to read
September 25, 2023I'm putting this as to-read... however while I LOVE fashion from second/third quarter 18th century Britain, I really don't like the time period for romance (unless it is pirate romance on a ship). Also having LISA KLEYPAS on the cover blurb just makes me sad because I miss her books so much.
read-partial
August 6, 2024it might just be me, but nothing about this is working at the moment. she's young, i don't get their connection, and i forgot a lot of the details from the other two books. I'll try again when i'm in a better mood.
thank you to the publisher for the ARC
thank you to the publisher for the ARC
November 16, 2024
Hmmm…
I’m not sure how I feel about this one. I had difficulty immersing myself in this one and the connection between the main couple felt a bit flimsy and rushed.
I’m not sure how I feel about this one. I had difficulty immersing myself in this one and the connection between the main couple felt a bit flimsy and rushed.
December 2, 2024
You guys… Elizabeth Hoyt is BACK BABY! And she is back with a BANGER of a book.
When I was reading through the first Greycourt books I noticed I liked the first one, I reaaaaally liked the second one, but this one? WHEW.
For context it’s best to at least have read the second book in the Greycourt series, but I would recommend reading the series in order due to the overarching plot. If you really wanted to though, you can read it as a standalone, but it might be confusing in some ways, especially regarding the Wise Women and the uncle.
If you like a darker and grittier historical romance, you will enjoy Hoyt’s books. What Hoyt has done with No Ordinary Duchess though… This one is a special one.
Julian is your typical icy cold heir to a dukedom, but the reason for all this ice slowly unfolds throughout the story. The way Julian deals with all of it though is something I don’t think we’ve seen a lot in tradpub histroms, and I gotta say, I love it.
Elspeth on the other hand is your resident ‘strange duck’, grown up in the confines of the Wise Women compound in Scotland she doesn’t understand the rules of ‘London society’, but tries her best navigating these waters. She is intrigued by Julian’s ice and wonders how to melt him, and she eventually does so in the best way.
There are so many incredible elements to this story and I don’t even really know where to start. There is something here for everyone. It has your classic forced proximity in a country house which is unreachable due to bad weather. It’s got a ton of domestic moments and it feels cozy, Elspeth teaching Julian how to peel a potato. Meanwhile, Julian brushes Elspeth’s hair in front of the fire. Then we have the constant threat of our villain, the spice that is just chef’s kiss.
I cannot stop talking about this book and if you like Hoyt’s books, I know you will love this one.
There is just one (tiny for me) thing that has caused some controversy in our groupchat and I am not adding in spoilers, but it was a very bold choice that Hoyt made here, and I am curious if it is something that was just ‘missing’ from the book (especially since we’ve been asked not to use any quotes in the ARC review due to changes that might be made after publishing), or if it was actually intentional.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the ARC.
When I was reading through the first Greycourt books I noticed I liked the first one, I reaaaaally liked the second one, but this one? WHEW.
For context it’s best to at least have read the second book in the Greycourt series, but I would recommend reading the series in order due to the overarching plot. If you really wanted to though, you can read it as a standalone, but it might be confusing in some ways, especially regarding the Wise Women and the uncle.
If you like a darker and grittier historical romance, you will enjoy Hoyt’s books. What Hoyt has done with No Ordinary Duchess though… This one is a special one.
Julian is your typical icy cold heir to a dukedom, but the reason for all this ice slowly unfolds throughout the story. The way Julian deals with all of it though is something I don’t think we’ve seen a lot in tradpub histroms, and I gotta say, I love it.
Elspeth on the other hand is your resident ‘strange duck’, grown up in the confines of the Wise Women compound in Scotland she doesn’t understand the rules of ‘London society’, but tries her best navigating these waters. She is intrigued by Julian’s ice and wonders how to melt him, and she eventually does so in the best way.
There are so many incredible elements to this story and I don’t even really know where to start. There is something here for everyone. It has your classic forced proximity in a country house which is unreachable due to bad weather. It’s got a ton of domestic moments and it feels cozy, Elspeth teaching Julian how to peel a potato. Meanwhile, Julian brushes Elspeth’s hair in front of the fire. Then we have the constant threat of our villain, the spice that is just chef’s kiss.
I cannot stop talking about this book and if you like Hoyt’s books, I know you will love this one.
There is just one (tiny for me) thing that has caused some controversy in our groupchat and I am not adding in spoilers, but it was a very bold choice that Hoyt made here, and I am curious if it is something that was just ‘missing’ from the book (especially since we’ve been asked not to use any quotes in the ARC review due to changes that might be made after publishing), or if it was actually intentional.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the ARC.
December 30, 2024
It’s been a long time, but we finally been blessed with the third Greycourt series book from Elizabeth Hoyt, No Ordinary Duchess!!
It was well worth the wait! I absolutely loved this grumpy/sunshine pairing that coincidentally has both Lady Elspeth and Julian searching for lost books to save their respective families! So much library time!!!
OK, but seriously I didn’t think I needed a Georgian era dom/sub (MFC/MMC) spicy, historical romance at this moment- but the time is now and this is everything!!!
Jumping into this, I was a little worried since it’s been a age since I read the first two books in the series, but it was surprisingly easy to jump back into this storyline. Hoyt fully re-introduced (or introduces!) us to Lady Elspeth’s sister, Freya and her husband, Kester from book 1, and Julian’s sister, Messalina and her husband Hawthorne from book 2. And along with that information, we also get a good background on the secret society that both lady Elspeth and Freya belong to, the Wise Women.
One thing that I always love about a Hoyt romance is the fairytale doled out at the beginning of each chapter. This book featured a reverse Cyrano de Bergerac and I just loved how it wraps up in the end.
As a super fan of Hoyt, the only thing that had me wondering at the end of this book is if we get more stories in the Gray court series ?!?! This one wraps up nice and tidy and could be a series end, but I am so curious and need to have stories for Ran and Lucretia to name a few!!!
It was well worth the wait! I absolutely loved this grumpy/sunshine pairing that coincidentally has both Lady Elspeth and Julian searching for lost books to save their respective families! So much library time!!!
OK, but seriously I didn’t think I needed a Georgian era dom/sub (MFC/MMC) spicy, historical romance at this moment- but the time is now and this is everything!!!
Jumping into this, I was a little worried since it’s been a age since I read the first two books in the series, but it was surprisingly easy to jump back into this storyline. Hoyt fully re-introduced (or introduces!) us to Lady Elspeth’s sister, Freya and her husband, Kester from book 1, and Julian’s sister, Messalina and her husband Hawthorne from book 2. And along with that information, we also get a good background on the secret society that both lady Elspeth and Freya belong to, the Wise Women.
One thing that I always love about a Hoyt romance is the fairytale doled out at the beginning of each chapter. This book featured a reverse Cyrano de Bergerac and I just loved how it wraps up in the end.
As a super fan of Hoyt, the only thing that had me wondering at the end of this book is if we get more stories in the Gray court series ?!?! This one wraps up nice and tidy and could be a series end, but I am so curious and need to have stories for Ran and Lucretia to name a few!!!
February 9, 2025
2.75 rounded up to 3. Kinda boring and slow.
October 28, 2024
Julian and Elspeth were both intriguing in their own ways. I really liked the broodiness of Julian but would have rather not gone down the path of sensuality he took us on. That’s just not my preference. Elspeth was fun and bright and perfect for him. I liked her immediately and was excited to see where her character would land. Lots of things were happening in this book and I’m not sure that any of them were fully flushed out. I would have liked a bit more of one thing instead of little bits of several things.
Going into this story I did not realize that it was the third book of a series. While I was able to follow the storyline, there were a few times I felt a bit lost regarding past actions and characters. Nevertheless, I found this book to be enjoyable.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Going into this story I did not realize that it was the third book of a series. While I was able to follow the storyline, there were a few times I felt a bit lost regarding past actions and characters. Nevertheless, I found this book to be enjoyable.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
January 4, 2025
Tam da düşündüğüm gibi sıradaki kitap iç dünyasında ruh hastası gibi görünen Julian'nın kitabı olacakmış :D Yanına dünyadan bihaber Elspeth gelirse kitap tadından yenmez bence. Öyle bir şey olursa Lucretia'nın müstakbel yengesi ile çekişmelerini okumak için sabırsızlanıyorum :D
12.02.2021
Ahahaha tam düşündüğüm gibi. Sinsi Julian ile hafif şapşal Elspeth'in hikayesi geliyor.😂 Kitaptan beklediklerim:
●KESİNLİKLE AMA KESİNLİKLE ELSPETH/LUCRETIA ATIŞMALARINI BOLCA GÖRMEK İSTİYORUM. ÖZELLİKLE ELSPETH'İN YENGESİ OLACAĞINI ÖĞRENDİĞİ ANDA LUCRETIA'NIN ÇILDIRMASININ ÜST DÜZEYE ULAŞMASINI BEKLİYORUM!!!🤣 TABİ SONRASINDA FREYA/MESSALINA DOSTLUĞUNA KIYASLA (YANİ BU İKİLİNİN ABLALARININ ARKADAŞLIĞINA GÖRE) DAHA BEST FRIEND MODUNA GEÇMELERİNİ DE DÖRT GÖZLE BEKLİYORUM❤(Bir yandan da Maiden Lane'deki gibi olmasından korkuyorum. Serinin 7. kitabında Asa/Valentine kavgaları eğlenceliydi. Aynı performansı Valentine'nin kitabında görmemek üzmüştü. Umarım Hoyt bu kısımdan ders çıkararak bizlere bolca Elspeth/Lucretia sahneleri yazar.😀)
●2. kitaptaki hislerimde yanılmamak yani Julian'nın harbiden psikopat çıkması,😂
●Elspeth'in toplum kurallarını bilmeden hareket etmesi ve Julian'ın durum sonucunda çıldırmaları,
●Julian'nın odunsal davranışlarında Elspeth'in ona sürekli "Ne kadar gerizekalı bu adam" bakışlarını hissetmek,😂
●De Moray erkeklerini görmek ve Greycourt erkeklerinden daha düzgün davranışlar sergilediklerine şahit olmak,
●Diğer De Moray üyesi Caitriona hakkında bir şeyler öğrenmek,
●De Moray kızlarının Greycourt kızları gibi yaşadıkları kardeşlik sevgisi,
●3. aile olan Holland kızları hakkında bir şeyler öğrenmek. Özellikle Arabella'nın akıbetinde meraklar içerisindeyim.
12.02.2021
Ahahaha tam düşündüğüm gibi. Sinsi Julian ile hafif şapşal Elspeth'in hikayesi geliyor.😂 Kitaptan beklediklerim:
●KESİNLİKLE AMA KESİNLİKLE ELSPETH/LUCRETIA ATIŞMALARINI BOLCA GÖRMEK İSTİYORUM. ÖZELLİKLE ELSPETH'İN YENGESİ OLACAĞINI ÖĞRENDİĞİ ANDA LUCRETIA'NIN ÇILDIRMASININ ÜST DÜZEYE ULAŞMASINI BEKLİYORUM!!!🤣 TABİ SONRASINDA FREYA/MESSALINA DOSTLUĞUNA KIYASLA (YANİ BU İKİLİNİN ABLALARININ ARKADAŞLIĞINA GÖRE) DAHA BEST FRIEND MODUNA GEÇMELERİNİ DE DÖRT GÖZLE BEKLİYORUM❤(Bir yandan da Maiden Lane'deki gibi olmasından korkuyorum. Serinin 7. kitabında Asa/Valentine kavgaları eğlenceliydi. Aynı performansı Valentine'nin kitabında görmemek üzmüştü. Umarım Hoyt bu kısımdan ders çıkararak bizlere bolca Elspeth/Lucretia sahneleri yazar.😀)
●2. kitaptaki hislerimde yanılmamak yani Julian'nın harbiden psikopat çıkması,😂
●Elspeth'in toplum kurallarını bilmeden hareket etmesi ve Julian'ın durum sonucunda çıldırmaları,
●Julian'nın odunsal davranışlarında Elspeth'in ona sürekli "Ne kadar gerizekalı bu adam" bakışlarını hissetmek,😂
●De Moray erkeklerini görmek ve Greycourt erkeklerinden daha düzgün davranışlar sergilediklerine şahit olmak,
●Diğer De Moray üyesi Caitriona hakkında bir şeyler öğrenmek,
●De Moray kızlarının Greycourt kızları gibi yaşadıkları kardeşlik sevgisi,
●3. aile olan Holland kızları hakkında bir şeyler öğrenmek. Özellikle Arabella'nın akıbetinde meraklar içerisindeyim.
December 12, 2024
No Ordinary Duchess is the third book in the Greycourt series. It can be read as a standalone, and though there is an overarching mystery in the series, I think enough context is given at the start of the story that it would be easy to follow. The story focuses on Julian Greycourt and Elspeth de Moray, a pair whose families have been enemies for many years ever since Julian's brother was charged with killing Elspeth's sister.
Julian, also known as the Duke of Ice, fits his nickname well. He's cold and dispassionate, and he's known to be completely ruthless. He's definitely the grump to Elspeth's sunshine. I really felt for Julian, especially after learning about his childhood and his suspicions about his mother's death. He was raised under the watchful and abusive eye of his uncle, and for his own self-preservation, he was forced to squelch his feelings and emotions. It was heartbreaking to learn his backstory, but it explained so much about this grumpy, cold, and guilt-ridden man.
Elspeth is like a breath of fresh air, and the opposite of Julian. She doesn't follow the rules of society, and she is so bright and fun and inquisitive. I love her bluntness and how she challenges Julian and turns his structured and icy world on its head. And her relationships with her family are some of my favorite parts of the story!
With a twelve-year age difference, a slight power imbalance, and feuding families, theirs is a bit of a forbidden romance, but as Julian searches for a book that might reveal what happened to his mother and Elspeth searches for a different tome in the Greycourt's extensive book collection, they repeatedly cross paths, and their growing feelings are wonderful. And the spicy scenes certainly are steamy! Something I really liked was how open they were in talking about their needs and wants. Julian has a lot of guilt about his sexual proclivities, but I feel like Elspeth helps normalize it for him. She is the dom to his sub desires, and it sure works for them!
Like the other books in the series, the story has a lot of moving parts, and there are answers to some overarching questions, which I liked. I was most interested in all of the families' history and lore and was glad we learned more about what actually happened to several characters that were important in Julian and Elspeth's pasts. I'm eager to see how some other elements of the plot play out and if some of the other secondary characters will get their own stories.
Special thanks to Forever Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Julian, also known as the Duke of Ice, fits his nickname well. He's cold and dispassionate, and he's known to be completely ruthless. He's definitely the grump to Elspeth's sunshine. I really felt for Julian, especially after learning about his childhood and his suspicions about his mother's death. He was raised under the watchful and abusive eye of his uncle, and for his own self-preservation, he was forced to squelch his feelings and emotions. It was heartbreaking to learn his backstory, but it explained so much about this grumpy, cold, and guilt-ridden man.
Elspeth is like a breath of fresh air, and the opposite of Julian. She doesn't follow the rules of society, and she is so bright and fun and inquisitive. I love her bluntness and how she challenges Julian and turns his structured and icy world on its head. And her relationships with her family are some of my favorite parts of the story!
With a twelve-year age difference, a slight power imbalance, and feuding families, theirs is a bit of a forbidden romance, but as Julian searches for a book that might reveal what happened to his mother and Elspeth searches for a different tome in the Greycourt's extensive book collection, they repeatedly cross paths, and their growing feelings are wonderful. And the spicy scenes certainly are steamy! Something I really liked was how open they were in talking about their needs and wants. Julian has a lot of guilt about his sexual proclivities, but I feel like Elspeth helps normalize it for him. She is the dom to his sub desires, and it sure works for them!
Like the other books in the series, the story has a lot of moving parts, and there are answers to some overarching questions, which I liked. I was most interested in all of the families' history and lore and was glad we learned more about what actually happened to several characters that were important in Julian and Elspeth's pasts. I'm eager to see how some other elements of the plot play out and if some of the other secondary characters will get their own stories.
Special thanks to Forever Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews