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The Unwanted Dukes #5
The Duke and the Lass
Lady Catriona Cordelia Mackenzie became a burden the moment she was born. Unwanted by her Scottish father for being born a girl and scorned by her grandmother for carrying a hated name, Della is only left with books for comfort. But when she reaches her majority, her father summons her to his Scottish keep to marry her off to the gentleman who will pledge the greatest alliance to him.
No matter the man’s vile reputation.
Andrew Darby, the Duke of Ravenwood, accepted the MacKenzie’s invitation to his Scottish keep thinking it to be a much-deserved stalking trip. After seeing his four sisters safely wed, he’s ready to start enjoying his own life without the responsibility of caring for his sisters. But when he learns of the MacKenzie’s true intent, he cannot stand by and allow Della to face her fate.
Even if it he means he must marry her.
The Duke and the Lass is the fifth book in the steamy, heart-stopping historical romance series, The Unwanted Dukes. If you love sexy, spellbinding romance and heartwarming humor, don’t miss this captivating series from bestselling author Jessie Clever. Discover adventure and romance when you download The Duke and the Lass today.
No matter the man’s vile reputation.
Andrew Darby, the Duke of Ravenwood, accepted the MacKenzie’s invitation to his Scottish keep thinking it to be a much-deserved stalking trip. After seeing his four sisters safely wed, he’s ready to start enjoying his own life without the responsibility of caring for his sisters. But when he learns of the MacKenzie’s true intent, he cannot stand by and allow Della to face her fate.
Even if it he means he must marry her.
The Duke and the Lass is the fifth book in the steamy, heart-stopping historical romance series, The Unwanted Dukes. If you love sexy, spellbinding romance and heartwarming humor, don’t miss this captivating series from bestselling author Jessie Clever. Discover adventure and romance when you download The Duke and the Lass today.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2021
About the author
Jessie Clever
44 books201 followersJessie decided to be a writer because there were too many lives she wanted to live to just pick one.
Taking her history degree dangerously, Jessie tells the stories of courageous heroines, the men who dared to love them, and the world that tried to defeat them.
Jessie lives in New Hampshire where if she’s not at her desk writing, she’s probably letting the dog out. Again.
Join Jessie's Readers Club for sneak peeks and the latest news: https://jessieclever.com/newsletter/
Taking her history degree dangerously, Jessie tells the stories of courageous heroines, the men who dared to love them, and the world that tried to defeat them.
Jessie lives in New Hampshire where if she’s not at her desk writing, she’s probably letting the dog out. Again.
Join Jessie's Readers Club for sneak peeks and the latest news: https://jessieclever.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 30, 2021
A great plot ruined by stupidity🤮🤮
This book could’ve been great. It had all the earmarks to be one. A heroine in need of rescue from her father and his lecherous friends. A dashing Duke who isn’t a wastrel but a responsible protector.
But then the author had to go and ruin it by castrating the hero and having him turn into a useless modern soy boy with the spine of a jellyfish while he stands by like a beta and watches as his wife confronts danger by herself and somehow this is supposed to be a show of strength. It just curdled my stomach. It was stupid and it made no sense.
I’m not reading a romance so that the hero can stand aside and let his wife be accosted while he does nothing. That’s not a man. That’s definitely not a hero. That’s a disgrace to manhood. We have enough of those kinds of limp-wristed losers running amok in society nowadays without their weakness being admired as a desirable character trait in romance heroes.
And where did the heroine’s Scottish accent suddenly come from? She was raised in England! She spoke with an English accent throughout the story and then SUDDENLY, out of nowhere, she’s speaking in a rough Scottish brogue with lots of slang thrown in. It was imbecilic in the extreme.
The entire latter half of the book lost the plot and veered off into fucktardation with a message that was profoundly stupid. The hero was grotesquely beta and worthless, the heroine suddenly becomes the dominant alpha and suddenly undergoes a rapid personality change, with a Scottish accent, to boot.
I didn’t even bother finishing. Once the hero stepped back when the h was threatened, didn’t even stand next to her or give her his strength and support by standing at her side or at her back, I was done with this trash story. That’s not how a UNITED front works. That’s not how a HERO behaves. Im only sorry that I wasted so much time on this BS before getting to that point.
This book could’ve been great. It had all the earmarks to be one. A heroine in need of rescue from her father and his lecherous friends. A dashing Duke who isn’t a wastrel but a responsible protector.
But then the author had to go and ruin it by castrating the hero and having him turn into a useless modern soy boy with the spine of a jellyfish while he stands by like a beta and watches as his wife confronts danger by herself and somehow this is supposed to be a show of strength. It just curdled my stomach. It was stupid and it made no sense.
I’m not reading a romance so that the hero can stand aside and let his wife be accosted while he does nothing. That’s not a man. That’s definitely not a hero. That’s a disgrace to manhood. We have enough of those kinds of limp-wristed losers running amok in society nowadays without their weakness being admired as a desirable character trait in romance heroes.
And where did the heroine’s Scottish accent suddenly come from? She was raised in England! She spoke with an English accent throughout the story and then SUDDENLY, out of nowhere, she’s speaking in a rough Scottish brogue with lots of slang thrown in. It was imbecilic in the extreme.
The entire latter half of the book lost the plot and veered off into fucktardation with a message that was profoundly stupid. The hero was grotesquely beta and worthless, the heroine suddenly becomes the dominant alpha and suddenly undergoes a rapid personality change, with a Scottish accent, to boot.
I didn’t even bother finishing. Once the hero stepped back when the h was threatened, didn’t even stand next to her or give her his strength and support by standing at her side or at her back, I was done with this trash story. That’s not how a UNITED front works. That’s not how a HERO behaves. Im only sorry that I wasted so much time on this BS before getting to that point.
August 13, 2021
I love other books by this author, but didn't like this book. The H is aimless and the h is weak. She's described as a person with no name, no place and even her words weren't hers, speaking brogue with her father. Was that his language? She was too pathetic, her feistiness felt wrong. I didn't connect to them at all.
July 29, 2021
Loved this series!
I have really enjoyed each book in this series, and this book lives up to the previous ones. The Darby Family is like most families with their quirks, disagreements, as well as their love and fierce loyalty. Each family member has their strengths and weaknesses. Andrew was always the rock - caring for his sisters. But we learn in this book that he did not recognize that it was time to let go of control, and to just love & enjoy his family including his new wife Della. He had to learn that he cannot be responsible for everyone forever. Some of us can relate. Della had her issues and had to learn some lessons as well if she was ever going to love and be loved. And...the Darby sisters? Well, while Viv, Eliza, Louisa, and Johanna were initially a bit angry with Andrew for his controlling and meddling, they had to concede that their lives - in the end - had ended up very well. They had good marriages. I loved how the Darby sisters embraced Della as one of their own. This is a great read - especially if you’ve read the previous books in the series. If you haven’t, you really should start with the first book and read them in order.
I have really enjoyed each book in this series, and this book lives up to the previous ones. The Darby Family is like most families with their quirks, disagreements, as well as their love and fierce loyalty. Each family member has their strengths and weaknesses. Andrew was always the rock - caring for his sisters. But we learn in this book that he did not recognize that it was time to let go of control, and to just love & enjoy his family including his new wife Della. He had to learn that he cannot be responsible for everyone forever. Some of us can relate. Della had her issues and had to learn some lessons as well if she was ever going to love and be loved. And...the Darby sisters? Well, while Viv, Eliza, Louisa, and Johanna were initially a bit angry with Andrew for his controlling and meddling, they had to concede that their lives - in the end - had ended up very well. They had good marriages. I loved how the Darby sisters embraced Della as one of their own. This is a great read - especially if you’ve read the previous books in the series. If you haven’t, you really should start with the first book and read them in order.
January 18, 2023
The Duke and the Lass is the best in the series. I love Della and Andrew. 4.5 stars.
May 6, 2024
Heroine: Catriona Cordelia MacKenzie, 21. Nickname: Della. Daughter of the Earl of Kettleholm.
Hero: Andrew Darby, early 30s? Duke of Ravenwood.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Andrew is invited to a stalking party in Scotland by Della’s father. He finds that a number of unsavory men have been invited. Della is unchaperoned and Andrew fears that the drunken guests might try to take advantage of her, so he shows up at her bedroom to protect her.
What happens: The next morning Della’s father announces the true purpose of the party: he will be exchanging Della’s hand in marriage for political loyalty. Andrew is disgusted and announces he is leaving. He privately begs Della to escape with him, but she has no family he can deliver her to. She resigns herself to her fate and he leaves for England.
Verdict: This book features a voluptuous heroine, who does feel a bit insecure about her looks, but who also generally accepts that she is what she is. Her greater insecurity comes when she realizes she doesn’t know a thing about being a proper duchess and doesn’t wish to be a burden or embarrassment to her husband. She attempts to act like she’s supposed to and dress like she’s supposed to, but that’s just not her. It turns out the hero finds her to be the most charming and beautiful when she is being her true self. He faces his own battles: he is so used to looking out for his sisters, he doesn’t see how his overprotectiveness is affecting his wife. They each have a journey of personal growth that they mostly take individually. The two have good chemistry and there is a bit of humor in this book, which I always enjoy. This can be read as a standalone although heroes and heroines from earlier books in the series make quite a few appearances.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Andrew Darby, early 30s? Duke of Ravenwood.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Andrew is invited to a stalking party in Scotland by Della’s father. He finds that a number of unsavory men have been invited. Della is unchaperoned and Andrew fears that the drunken guests might try to take advantage of her, so he shows up at her bedroom to protect her.
What happens: The next morning Della’s father announces the true purpose of the party: he will be exchanging Della’s hand in marriage for political loyalty. Andrew is disgusted and announces he is leaving. He privately begs Della to escape with him, but she has no family he can deliver her to. She resigns herself to her fate and he leaves for England.
Verdict: This book features a voluptuous heroine, who does feel a bit insecure about her looks, but who also generally accepts that she is what she is. Her greater insecurity comes when she realizes she doesn’t know a thing about being a proper duchess and doesn’t wish to be a burden or embarrassment to her husband. She attempts to act like she’s supposed to and dress like she’s supposed to, but that’s just not her. It turns out the hero finds her to be the most charming and beautiful when she is being her true self. He faces his own battles: he is so used to looking out for his sisters, he doesn’t see how his overprotectiveness is affecting his wife. They each have a journey of personal growth that they mostly take individually. The two have good chemistry and there is a bit of humor in this book, which I always enjoy. This can be read as a standalone although heroes and heroines from earlier books in the series make quite a few appearances.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
January 28, 2026
I was enjoying this for the most part until about the 75% mark. Why isn't it enough that the heroine found her voice, her place, and a family? We really had to throw in that 'oh, she's not fat anymore either, so now she's pretty too'.
The language used and this mentality was just so disappointing.
The language used and this mentality was just so disappointing.
July 31, 2021
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. It is satisfying to learn what fate has in store for Andrew. This book has an unusual beginning as we find Andrew sneaking around in the dark in a lady’s bedroom which is surprising given his impeccable character. Both Andrew and Della have to overcome some of their flaws before they can be totally happy together. It is nice to meet up once again with the formidable Darby sisters.
August 3, 2021
The Duke and the Lass, Book 5 of The Unwanted Dukes series, was about His Grace Andrew Darby, the Duke of Ravenwood, the oldest of five siblings, and Lady Catriona Cordelia "Delia" Mackenzie, daughter, an unwanted, only child, of Lord Hamish MacKenzie, the Earl of Kettleholm (aka The Mackenzie).
When Della reached her majority, her father sent for her to appear before him. When she got to Mackenzie Keep, her father's castle, he informed her that she would be married to the man who offered him his greatest allegiance.
Andrew, after having seen all four of his younger sisters finally married, accepted the MacKenzie’s invitation to his Scottish home thinking it was to be a stalking trip. But upon his arrival, he realized he had been tricked. Sensing the inherent danger Della was in from all the men her father had summoned to his home in Scotland in order to find a husband for his daughter an ally for himself, Andrew determined to protect her at all cost...even if it meant marrying her.
After secretly stealing Della away from her father's home, he immediately married her, he then took her to his home in West Yorkshire hoping to keep her safe. Uncertain as to how her father would react to their marriage, he then planned to take her to London. When Andrew realized Della's father was searching for her, he got three of his brothers-in-law to help keep tabs on his whereabouts so he could prevent anything from happening to her.
The more time they spent together, the more their feelings for each other grew. The chemistry and passion they shared were both undeniably high. The angst and drama were moderate, but not so bad that the small bit of humor was overwhelmed.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, the reader hardly knew what would happen next. For this to be the fifth and final book in the series, it was decidedly better than the previous two and only slightly less appealing than the first two. It seems, after two debacles previously that, perhaps the author finally got her head out of the dirt and realized she was screwing up the series and decided to do better with this final offering...although it didn't entirely salvage the series. Nothing can remove those two horrible novels from the minds of the reader.
This story was definitely an improvement on the last two books in the series. If only the author could undo the damage done by them, this might have been one of my favorite series. However, that's not a possibility since those two dreadful books occupy such a prominent place. This book was not able to redeem the series, but it definitely gets a better rating than some of the others. Not five-star worthy and still not gaining a place with the Keeper for the Shelves like the first two books.
When Della reached her majority, her father sent for her to appear before him. When she got to Mackenzie Keep, her father's castle, he informed her that she would be married to the man who offered him his greatest allegiance.
Andrew, after having seen all four of his younger sisters finally married, accepted the MacKenzie’s invitation to his Scottish home thinking it was to be a stalking trip. But upon his arrival, he realized he had been tricked. Sensing the inherent danger Della was in from all the men her father had summoned to his home in Scotland in order to find a husband for his daughter an ally for himself, Andrew determined to protect her at all cost...even if it meant marrying her.
After secretly stealing Della away from her father's home, he immediately married her, he then took her to his home in West Yorkshire hoping to keep her safe. Uncertain as to how her father would react to their marriage, he then planned to take her to London. When Andrew realized Della's father was searching for her, he got three of his brothers-in-law to help keep tabs on his whereabouts so he could prevent anything from happening to her.
The more time they spent together, the more their feelings for each other grew. The chemistry and passion they shared were both undeniably high. The angst and drama were moderate, but not so bad that the small bit of humor was overwhelmed.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, the reader hardly knew what would happen next. For this to be the fifth and final book in the series, it was decidedly better than the previous two and only slightly less appealing than the first two. It seems, after two debacles previously that, perhaps the author finally got her head out of the dirt and realized she was screwing up the series and decided to do better with this final offering...although it didn't entirely salvage the series. Nothing can remove those two horrible novels from the minds of the reader.
This story was definitely an improvement on the last two books in the series. If only the author could undo the damage done by them, this might have been one of my favorite series. However, that's not a possibility since those two dreadful books occupy such a prominent place. This book was not able to redeem the series, but it definitely gets a better rating than some of the others. Not five-star worthy and still not gaining a place with the Keeper for the Shelves like the first two books.
March 11, 2022
Mixed Feelings
I typically read reviews prior to starting a new author. The reviews were not as enthusiastic for this series as for some of my favs. I decided to read Book 5 which was very much against what I do. (I am a stickler for reading series in order.) Again, based on prior reviews, I decided to just jump to the end.
I was torn. I felt for the heroine. I hated the times and the cultural edits - so why the devil do I read historical romances??
The author is a good writer.
The storyline was interesting. The ending was a little weird as the antagonist just went away after recking so much havoc and just being messy for no reason.
The heat level was very stilted.
The hero meant well.
It was just a little all over the place. Maybe had I read the prior stories some of this one would have made more sense but it didn’t really connect for me. Unfortunately, this story did not inspire me to go back and read the prior books in the series. I may take a break from this author and the read something outside of this series by this author.
Sorry not my fav.
I typically read reviews prior to starting a new author. The reviews were not as enthusiastic for this series as for some of my favs. I decided to read Book 5 which was very much against what I do. (I am a stickler for reading series in order.) Again, based on prior reviews, I decided to just jump to the end.
I was torn. I felt for the heroine. I hated the times and the cultural edits - so why the devil do I read historical romances??
The author is a good writer.
The storyline was interesting. The ending was a little weird as the antagonist just went away after recking so much havoc and just being messy for no reason.
The heat level was very stilted.
The hero meant well.
It was just a little all over the place. Maybe had I read the prior stories some of this one would have made more sense but it didn’t really connect for me. Unfortunately, this story did not inspire me to go back and read the prior books in the series. I may take a break from this author and the read something outside of this series by this author.
Sorry not my fav.
August 16, 2021
“And then he bowed and said, “Andrew Darby, the Duke of Ravenwood. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, my lady.”
Oh bollocks. She was going to fall in love with this man.”
“Are you afraid I’ll ravish you?”
He resolutely moved his gaze to the ceiling.
“The only person in danger of being ravished is you, Lady MacKenzie. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“For the first time, he understood the true meaning of the word voluptuous, and he found himself utterly attracted to this woman’s strength and power”
“Andrew had thought when he’d married off his last sister not months before he would be free of the responsibility of protecting the women in his life. And here another one had not only walked into it, she’d barged in with her tin of shortbread and her unfailing smile.”
She was stunning.
“Suddenly the idea that her father had summoned her to marry her off took on a glowing light of anticipation. It wouldn’t be so bad if she were to marry Andrew.
But as soon as the thought came, she dismissed it. Good things like that just didn’t happen to her”
“She didn’t want this to end.
Whatever this odd encounter was between them, no matter how illogical, she just wanted to be with this man forever. It made no sense, and yet it made perfect sense.”
“She fit so neatly against him, his body curved entirely around hers. The sensation of being held, of being touched, it was heady and drugging, and she didn’t want to move for fear it would be over.”
“just then her father said, “Gentlemen, I’ve asked ye here to vie for my daughter’s hand in marriage”
“He looked at her; he really looked at her, and for the first time, she felt as though someone truly saw her. It was beautiful and heart-wrenching”
“He squared his shoulders.
“I have no claims on you, Della MacKenzie.” He shook his head. “I will be forever sorry I could not help you”
“Strangely, it felt as though he’d been waiting for her kiss his whole life, and now that he’d started, he couldn’t”
“He wanted to kiss her again. He wanted to keep kissing her. He wanted to see her relaxed and satiated, limp with contentment”
“He leaned down again. “It was the first village I found with a blacksmith willing to marry us.”
“She wanted to marry Andrew. More than anything, she wanted to marry him.
That was exactly why she couldn’t.”
“No, Andrew, I can’t do it.” Her eyes flew open. “I can’t marry you.”
“He gave a sharp nod. “Precisely. It’s past time I wed and saw to producing an heir for the title. It would be an honor to be married to you, Della.”
“He gave a sharp nod. “Precisely. It’s past time I wed and saw to producing an heir for the title. It would be an honor to be married to you, Della.”
“Della tucked this away and held out her hand. “Then I agree to the marriage. I promise to be an excellent duchess.”
“She did not deserve the Duke of Ravenwood, but she wasn’t going to argue when the universe seemed to think this was meant to be.”
“He couldn’t protect her if he fell in love with her.”
“Della, you are not a failure. To me you are perfect in every way just by being yourself. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t ever forget how perfect you are when you are just yourself.”
“She wanted to be loved.”
“Probably for as long as he had suspected he’d fallen in love with Della.
It was a terrible thing to fall in love with one’s wife, but he’d watched her grow and change over the past several weeks, and he had never admired anyone quite so damn much in all his life”
“And nae many people do. I dinnae think yer either me or yer mother. Ye might just be something else.” And with that he left”
“The woman without country or name was now without roots, and he knew she was left wondering where she belonged.”
“Eliza’s smile was peaceful and knowing, which was entirely like her. “He couldn’t possibly know that you were meant to be a Darby sister.”
“I love you, Della. I plan to say it enough for you to believe it.”
“I do believe it,” she said. “And I love you, Andrew. I’ve loved you almost since that first night when you tried to sleep on the floor of my room.”
“I give you this ring, Catriona Cordelia Darby.” He pointed to the first sapphire. “A woman with a name.” The next sapphire. “A country.” And the next. “And roots.”
Oh bollocks. She was going to fall in love with this man.”
“Are you afraid I’ll ravish you?”
He resolutely moved his gaze to the ceiling.
“The only person in danger of being ravished is you, Lady MacKenzie. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this position.”
“For the first time, he understood the true meaning of the word voluptuous, and he found himself utterly attracted to this woman’s strength and power”
“Andrew had thought when he’d married off his last sister not months before he would be free of the responsibility of protecting the women in his life. And here another one had not only walked into it, she’d barged in with her tin of shortbread and her unfailing smile.”
She was stunning.
“Suddenly the idea that her father had summoned her to marry her off took on a glowing light of anticipation. It wouldn’t be so bad if she were to marry Andrew.
But as soon as the thought came, she dismissed it. Good things like that just didn’t happen to her”
“She didn’t want this to end.
Whatever this odd encounter was between them, no matter how illogical, she just wanted to be with this man forever. It made no sense, and yet it made perfect sense.”
“She fit so neatly against him, his body curved entirely around hers. The sensation of being held, of being touched, it was heady and drugging, and she didn’t want to move for fear it would be over.”
“just then her father said, “Gentlemen, I’ve asked ye here to vie for my daughter’s hand in marriage”
“He looked at her; he really looked at her, and for the first time, she felt as though someone truly saw her. It was beautiful and heart-wrenching”
“He squared his shoulders.
“I have no claims on you, Della MacKenzie.” He shook his head. “I will be forever sorry I could not help you”
“Strangely, it felt as though he’d been waiting for her kiss his whole life, and now that he’d started, he couldn’t”
“He wanted to kiss her again. He wanted to keep kissing her. He wanted to see her relaxed and satiated, limp with contentment”
“He leaned down again. “It was the first village I found with a blacksmith willing to marry us.”
“She wanted to marry Andrew. More than anything, she wanted to marry him.
That was exactly why she couldn’t.”
“No, Andrew, I can’t do it.” Her eyes flew open. “I can’t marry you.”
“He gave a sharp nod. “Precisely. It’s past time I wed and saw to producing an heir for the title. It would be an honor to be married to you, Della.”
“He gave a sharp nod. “Precisely. It’s past time I wed and saw to producing an heir for the title. It would be an honor to be married to you, Della.”
“Della tucked this away and held out her hand. “Then I agree to the marriage. I promise to be an excellent duchess.”
“She did not deserve the Duke of Ravenwood, but she wasn’t going to argue when the universe seemed to think this was meant to be.”
“He couldn’t protect her if he fell in love with her.”
“Della, you are not a failure. To me you are perfect in every way just by being yourself. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t ever forget how perfect you are when you are just yourself.”
“She wanted to be loved.”
“Probably for as long as he had suspected he’d fallen in love with Della.
It was a terrible thing to fall in love with one’s wife, but he’d watched her grow and change over the past several weeks, and he had never admired anyone quite so damn much in all his life”
“And nae many people do. I dinnae think yer either me or yer mother. Ye might just be something else.” And with that he left”
“The woman without country or name was now without roots, and he knew she was left wondering where she belonged.”
“Eliza’s smile was peaceful and knowing, which was entirely like her. “He couldn’t possibly know that you were meant to be a Darby sister.”
“I love you, Della. I plan to say it enough for you to believe it.”
“I do believe it,” she said. “And I love you, Andrew. I’ve loved you almost since that first night when you tried to sleep on the floor of my room.”
“I give you this ring, Catriona Cordelia Darby.” He pointed to the first sapphire. “A woman with a name.” The next sapphire. “A country.” And the next. “And roots.”
June 27, 2026
This book was good... However there were just some small things that I feel the need to rant about. They don't really affect the quality of the story line so I'm not going to deduct stars for them.
1. Our FMC is supposed to be a curvy girl and she's initially described as what I would consider an actual curvy girl I'm picturing anywhere from US size 12-16, and not that size 6 with big hips type curvy. But throughout the book her inner monologue is constantly talking about how she just can't eat because she's a total wreck. She apparently ends up losing a significant amount of weight because of this, like significant enough that other people notice. I think if you're going to have curvy girl representation in a book then let the FMC be curvy and stay curvy. That might be just me but it felt unnecessary.
I once read a book where the entire premise is that the FMC (who is a curvy girl) is trying out a personal trainer app for an online magazine she works for and she is essentially going through a whole fitness/health journey and never once does it mention that she lost weight or looked different, it was only ever mentioned how much stronger and healthier she felt.
2. Is connected to 1. She supposedly eats when she is nervous thus why she is a curvy girl...But all the sudden we are supposed to believe that for some reason anytime anything unsettling happens in this book she just now doesn't want to eat at all and that's why she's lost all this weight???
3. The weight loss is inaccurately represented. At one point in the book FMC revisits a modiste that she saw 1 week earlier and the modiste notes that wow she is going to have to take this dress in because she has lost so much weight. And FMC's inner monologue is like wow I suddenly have a waist for the first time ever. This was just so unrealistic to me because I am currently losing weight. I have lost 60 lbs from my heaviest and have literally lost barely 2 sizes. I started at a 16 now I'm at a 12, maybe the very rare 10. You cannot tell me FMC lost that much weight in 1 week??? I feel like she'd have to lose at least 10+ lbs in order for her clothes to have any noticeable give not to mention she's also supposed to be super tall. She mentions rarely being shorter than men so I am assuming we have like a 6' baddie on our hands.
Anyways I will step off my soap box. Is any of this really a big deal?? No. Did I still finish this in less than 24 hours? Yes. Will I read more from this author?? Most likely
1. Our FMC is supposed to be a curvy girl and she's initially described as what I would consider an actual curvy girl I'm picturing anywhere from US size 12-16, and not that size 6 with big hips type curvy. But throughout the book her inner monologue is constantly talking about how she just can't eat because she's a total wreck. She apparently ends up losing a significant amount of weight because of this, like significant enough that other people notice. I think if you're going to have curvy girl representation in a book then let the FMC be curvy and stay curvy. That might be just me but it felt unnecessary.
I once read a book where the entire premise is that the FMC (who is a curvy girl) is trying out a personal trainer app for an online magazine she works for and she is essentially going through a whole fitness/health journey and never once does it mention that she lost weight or looked different, it was only ever mentioned how much stronger and healthier she felt.
2. Is connected to 1. She supposedly eats when she is nervous thus why she is a curvy girl...But all the sudden we are supposed to believe that for some reason anytime anything unsettling happens in this book she just now doesn't want to eat at all and that's why she's lost all this weight???
3. The weight loss is inaccurately represented. At one point in the book FMC revisits a modiste that she saw 1 week earlier and the modiste notes that wow she is going to have to take this dress in because she has lost so much weight. And FMC's inner monologue is like wow I suddenly have a waist for the first time ever. This was just so unrealistic to me because I am currently losing weight. I have lost 60 lbs from my heaviest and have literally lost barely 2 sizes. I started at a 16 now I'm at a 12, maybe the very rare 10. You cannot tell me FMC lost that much weight in 1 week??? I feel like she'd have to lose at least 10+ lbs in order for her clothes to have any noticeable give not to mention she's also supposed to be super tall. She mentions rarely being shorter than men so I am assuming we have like a 6' baddie on our hands.
Anyways I will step off my soap box. Is any of this really a big deal?? No. Did I still finish this in less than 24 hours? Yes. Will I read more from this author?? Most likely
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
I liked this book, for the most part, but near the end it felt like it turned into women’s fiction, which just isn’t for me.
I liked Andrew and Della, but then Della becomes insecure about being a duchess, doesn’t tell Andrew, finds courage after advice from V, then tells Andrew that he’s controlling. While I get that her character was growing, I think that if she’d told Andrew what was on her mind, they could have talked things through and decided things together, without him being ‘controlling’.
Throughout the series Andrew doesn’t really have a personality and is very much a background character. In this book, especially towards the end, he’s made out to be a horrible controlling person. I just didn’t get it. How was he controlling? It says he manipulated Vivianna into getting the other sisters married, but how? He might have said something at the beginning, but it gave her something to focus on so she didn’t have to dwell on her rubbish husband. So, he wanted his sisters to be married. But did he arrange marriages for them? Did he force them to marry people they didn’t want to? No, each time the sisters’ fiances asked him for permission, he asked his sisters whether they were sure they wanted to marry them. On a different occasion, he tells Della that she can’t leave the house, which was during a tense moment, but when he learns that she did leave, he doesn’t do anything to her and doesn’t even think badly about her. How is he controlling? I didn’t understand it and it annoyed me when his sisters and Della acted like he was an evil mastermind.
I really liked the scenes showing Andrew with his brothers-in-law as they were funny.
I didn’t like the scene at the end with Della’s father. He comes in, Della lectures him, and suddenly he decides that he’ll leave her in peace and tells her that he approves of her? It made no sense and it came out of nowhere. This was another part of the book that felt like it existed just to show how Della has grown and is an independent woman.
I liked most of this book, but some parts of it weren’t for me. While V’s story sounds interesting, I’m not sure if I want to read more books by this author as the writing style isn’t for me.
I liked Andrew and Della, but then Della becomes insecure about being a duchess, doesn’t tell Andrew, finds courage after advice from V, then tells Andrew that he’s controlling. While I get that her character was growing, I think that if she’d told Andrew what was on her mind, they could have talked things through and decided things together, without him being ‘controlling’.
Throughout the series Andrew doesn’t really have a personality and is very much a background character. In this book, especially towards the end, he’s made out to be a horrible controlling person. I just didn’t get it. How was he controlling? It says he manipulated Vivianna into getting the other sisters married, but how? He might have said something at the beginning, but it gave her something to focus on so she didn’t have to dwell on her rubbish husband. So, he wanted his sisters to be married. But did he arrange marriages for them? Did he force them to marry people they didn’t want to? No, each time the sisters’ fiances asked him for permission, he asked his sisters whether they were sure they wanted to marry them. On a different occasion, he tells Della that she can’t leave the house, which was during a tense moment, but when he learns that she did leave, he doesn’t do anything to her and doesn’t even think badly about her. How is he controlling? I didn’t understand it and it annoyed me when his sisters and Della acted like he was an evil mastermind.
I really liked the scenes showing Andrew with his brothers-in-law as they were funny.
I didn’t like the scene at the end with Della’s father. He comes in, Della lectures him, and suddenly he decides that he’ll leave her in peace and tells her that he approves of her? It made no sense and it came out of nowhere. This was another part of the book that felt like it existed just to show how Della has grown and is an independent woman.
I liked most of this book, but some parts of it weren’t for me. While V’s story sounds interesting, I’m not sure if I want to read more books by this author as the writing style isn’t for me.
August 17, 2021
I am sad to see this series end; I enjoyed all five books in the series and felt this was a lovely end. Della was a great character that I could relate too. Andrew Darby had always come across a bit cold, and a bit arrogant - despite loving his sisters, he seemed to wear his responsibility for them quite heavily and we get more of the story of that here. But in his own story, we learn more about him and his own self doubts.
It was lovely to see their relationship develop together, but also to see them grow and become stronger as individuals. Also for him to realize that his sisters are fully actualized women of strength, character, and independence, not dependent on their men to protect them or oversee them. I love the "highwayman" scene, and how while it started out with a man behaving like a typical hero, it did not end that way.
In the end, Della and Andrew found love, found themselves, and Della got the loving family she deserved.
An overarching happy ending to the series. Can't wait to see what else Jessie Clever has to give us in the future. But I will miss the Darbys!
It was lovely to see their relationship develop together, but also to see them grow and become stronger as individuals. Also for him to realize that his sisters are fully actualized women of strength, character, and independence, not dependent on their men to protect them or oversee them. I love the "highwayman" scene, and how while it started out with a man behaving like a typical hero, it did not end that way.
In the end, Della and Andrew found love, found themselves, and Della got the loving family she deserved.
An overarching happy ending to the series. Can't wait to see what else Jessie Clever has to give us in the future. But I will miss the Darbys!
November 12, 2022
2.5 stars rounded to 3.
This was a decent book. The opening chapters were fun and charming, but once they make their journey to England it gets bogged down in the hero's issues. There's a lot of instalust in this and it's not really clear what turns that lust to love.
It's much more a story about familial love and the bond of sisterhood, which is a lovely story but not exactly an epic romance.
On the plus side, this book had a lot less of the heroine "fixing" the hero, which I greatly appreciated.
While I enjoyed parts of these books, none of them was a true standout and I can't say this was a great series. Now that it's done, I don't feel the need to read any more of this author's work.
This was a decent book. The opening chapters were fun and charming, but once they make their journey to England it gets bogged down in the hero's issues. There's a lot of instalust in this and it's not really clear what turns that lust to love.
It's much more a story about familial love and the bond of sisterhood, which is a lovely story but not exactly an epic romance.
On the plus side, this book had a lot less of the heroine "fixing" the hero, which I greatly appreciated.
While I enjoyed parts of these books, none of them was a true standout and I can't say this was a great series. Now that it's done, I don't feel the need to read any more of this author's work.
January 8, 2022
Finally his love
I absolutely loved Andrew and Della’s story. Andrew thought he was going to a stalking party in Scotland but after meeting the other men there he realized his host has an ulterior motive.
Della has been summoned back to her fathers after years of neglect from him, her mother and her grandparents. She realizes when she gets there her fathers is basically auctioning her off to whom ever can give him the biggest allegiance.
Andrew realizes he must save Della and when they abscond during the night her life is change forever.
Such a beautiful story with a wonderful ending.
I absolutely loved Andrew and Della’s story. Andrew thought he was going to a stalking party in Scotland but after meeting the other men there he realized his host has an ulterior motive.
Della has been summoned back to her fathers after years of neglect from him, her mother and her grandparents. She realizes when she gets there her fathers is basically auctioning her off to whom ever can give him the biggest allegiance.
Andrew realizes he must save Della and when they abscond during the night her life is change forever.
Such a beautiful story with a wonderful ending.
August 9, 2021
Andrew, Duke of Ravenwood is known for his job of protecting his sisters. When it comes to a lass in Della's precarious situation of safety, there is no question that taking her away from her father's castle in Scotland and a quick marriage will do. Only falling in love wasn't something he was looking for. Della's insecurities tell her it may not be safe for her heart to love Andrew, but it's already to late. One page you're laughing, the next one you're in tears. Great characters!!!
January 3, 2022
Jessie Clever does it again! This gave me some of the same feels I had in The Duke and the Wallflower. My second favorite of this series. Della is an amazing character, and I loved her interactions with Andrew.
Of course the scene with the Darby sisters rescuing Della was amazing. Was the situation somewhat contrived? Yes. Did I fangirl over it anyway? Also yes. Did I squeal about the hat pin? Again yes.
I recommend this series to all humans.
Of course the scene with the Darby sisters rescuing Della was amazing. Was the situation somewhat contrived? Yes. Did I fangirl over it anyway? Also yes. Did I squeal about the hat pin? Again yes.
I recommend this series to all humans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
Andrew & Della
I LOVE how Andrew and Della's story starts!! It reminds me a lot of Jamie (James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser) in OUTLANDER! It made me like Andrew. Up until then, I didn't like Andrew all that much. I'm so glad his controlling nature was addressed. He's lucky he doesn't get a good bop on the head from each of his sisters and Della!! This whole series has been absotively posolutely delightful!
I LOVE how Andrew and Della's story starts!! It reminds me a lot of Jamie (James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser) in OUTLANDER! It made me like Andrew. Up until then, I didn't like Andrew all that much. I'm so glad his controlling nature was addressed. He's lucky he doesn't get a good bop on the head from each of his sisters and Della!! This whole series has been absotively posolutely delightful!
August 2, 2021
Beautiful story
This was a fitting end to the series of unwanted dukes. Andrew could not see that he was manipulator and a controlling person . Bless Della. And his love for her.
This was a fitting end to the series of unwanted dukes. Andrew could not see that he was manipulator and a controlling person . Bless Della. And his love for her.
August 6, 2021
Duke and the Lass
This is an awesome read. I didn't want to put it down. I could hardly wait for Andrew's story and r was not disappointed. The characters are engaging. Della was perfect for Andrew.
This is an awesome read. I didn't want to put it down. I could hardly wait for Andrew's story and r was not disappointed. The characters are engaging. Della was perfect for Andrew.
August 27, 2021
A glorious read
You can put yourself into Della's shoes from beginning till the end. All the twists and turns. The real kicker is the surprise when she is kidnapped and who her saviors are. And how her husband handles it.
You can put yourself into Della's shoes from beginning till the end. All the twists and turns. The real kicker is the surprise when she is kidnapped and who her saviors are. And how her husband handles it.
October 31, 2021
Wonderful Series
You will not regret reading this series. Vi , Eliza, Louisa , Johanna Sells along with the men they married. Funny, loving, and exciting. You will not regret reading 📚 this series.
You will not regret reading this series. Vi , Eliza, Louisa , Johanna Sells along with the men they married. Funny, loving, and exciting. You will not regret reading 📚 this series.
May 30, 2022
insecurity
Raised by a crude arrogant man that only saw his daughter as a means to better himself, will auction her to highest bidder! Saved by a Duke, but she has so many insecurities, and he felt responsible for her! Married but never communicated, life can be complicated!
Raised by a crude arrogant man that only saw his daughter as a means to better himself, will auction her to highest bidder! Saved by a Duke, but she has so many insecurities, and he felt responsible for her! Married but never communicated, life can be complicated!
May 31, 2022
A happy ending ...
but I wasn't ready for it to end. I wanted to stay with them and see them through more successes for Della and perhaps even watch her whip that old Scotsman father into shape to be associated with the grandkids she and her Much Wanted Duke provide.
but I wasn't ready for it to end. I wanted to stay with them and see them through more successes for Della and perhaps even watch her whip that old Scotsman father into shape to be associated with the grandkids she and her Much Wanted Duke provide.
September 27, 2022
Good over all
Story and character s are very much likable and the storyline draws you in throughout. My only disappointment is the ending is too abrupt and i was left .............. ?!
Story and character s are very much likable and the storyline draws you in throughout. My only disappointment is the ending is too abrupt and i was left .............. ?!
September 29, 2022
I enjoyed this last book in this series - as I did the others - (I will add the series as one edition). I seem to be hovering towards this type of rom com at the moment - frothy fun with 'happy-ever-after' endings. Entertaining and charming.
May 22, 2023
This was a pretty good book I don’t rly have complaints it was chill. I just didn’t rly like how much it involved crossing over with the other books in the series it kinda annoyed me & near the end it kind of became a chore to read but not bad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
Lilykitty
This fifth book in the series ended with a bang and a great ending. Andrew is a complex character who is believe able in his responsibility attitude. Loved his secret avocation. Della is a lovable character and heroine. And the Darby sisters are always wonderful !!
This fifth book in the series ended with a bang and a great ending. Andrew is a complex character who is believe able in his responsibility attitude. Loved his secret avocation. Della is a lovable character and heroine. And the Darby sisters are always wonderful !!
July 29, 2021
A must read
After seeing his 4 sisters married it is finally time for Andrew to get his happily ever after. I have enjoyed this series and this was a lovely ending to it.
After seeing his 4 sisters married it is finally time for Andrew to get his happily ever after. I have enjoyed this series and this was a lovely ending to it.
August 1, 2021
Slow Start
This book drags along with a slow start. It picks up the pace around half way through the book.
Jessie Clever has written a witty and maddening story.
This book drags along with a slow start. It picks up the pace around half way through the book.
Jessie Clever has written a witty and maddening story.
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