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Unconventional Ladies #3
A Duke in Disguise
When Alex Dryden, Duke of Davenport, receives a letter from a disgruntled tenant alleging mismanagement by the land agent who oversees one of his estates, he knows something must be done. Given the antipathy in which his tenants hold him, he decides to investigate in disguise, masquerading as a simple solicitor newly arrived from London to sort out the situation on the duke’s behalf.
Theo Vance has lived and worked the farm that her father leases from the duke all of her life, but with their funds depleting further each passing quarter day, desperate measures must be taken lest they find themselves evicted. When Mr. Dryden arrives at her farm, summoned by the belligerent letter she’d penned to the duke, and claiming that he has come to resolve the issue, she is doubtful that anything will come of it—but her father nevertheless agrees to let Mr. Dryden stay on to conduct his investigation, so long as he also provides much-needed labor on their farm.
It takes little more than a day for Theo to see through Mr. Dryden’s disguise, and when she realizes that she has got a duke playing at being a farm laborer, she can’t resist the impulse to make him miserable as retribution for the suffering the town has endured beneath his neglect. But she finds it harder and harder to keep hold of her resentment, when he’s not at all the kind of man she expected him to be…
Theo Vance has lived and worked the farm that her father leases from the duke all of her life, but with their funds depleting further each passing quarter day, desperate measures must be taken lest they find themselves evicted. When Mr. Dryden arrives at her farm, summoned by the belligerent letter she’d penned to the duke, and claiming that he has come to resolve the issue, she is doubtful that anything will come of it—but her father nevertheless agrees to let Mr. Dryden stay on to conduct his investigation, so long as he also provides much-needed labor on their farm.
It takes little more than a day for Theo to see through Mr. Dryden’s disguise, and when she realizes that she has got a duke playing at being a farm laborer, she can’t resist the impulse to make him miserable as retribution for the suffering the town has endured beneath his neglect. But she finds it harder and harder to keep hold of her resentment, when he’s not at all the kind of man she expected him to be…
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
102 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 19, 2022
"A Duke in Disguise" is the story of Theo and Alex.
“Alex, then. Have you noticed that this particular beast is not in possession of an udder?”
His blond brows drew together. “I don’t suppose I looked,” he said. “Why?”
She coughed delicately into her hand, valiantly resisting the urge to laugh. “That is Harold. Our bull.”
LMAO! Amazing read!
The book has a simple premise- the hero is Duke who is oblivious to his duties. He receives a scathing letter from one of his subjects, alleging mismanagement by the land agent who oversees one of his estate. He then decides to visit them in disguise, and his life changes.
He soon realizes that his disgruntled tenant is a feisty woman, who spends her days caring for her blind father and declining estate. However pretending to be a ranch hand isn't easy- be it burning the herbs or getting attacked by potatoes when he insults her. But the humor in this book is A++. When the hero spoke to the cats, my heart melted and when he tried to milk to bull, I laughed so hard tears poured! Ofcourse, as the story progresses, we see him genuinely try to contribute to the heroine's home, attempting tasks like shaving and procuring eggs, understanding the joy of hard work and accomplishments including celebrating calluses- and the most important, fall in love. This book does he fell first and harder trope very well.
The heroine was smart, hardworking and one of the strongest female characters I have read. She handled the whole family and circumstances so well- yet was vulnerable in moments of solitude. I absolutely adored her resilience and honesty.
And as Alex wheezed, locking his knees to avoid toppling straight to the floor, he fancied he might have fallen anyway. Just the tiniest bit, in love
The catch is that the other characters are aware of his deceit, but decide to humor him.. something that leads to significant angst and ample grovel in the second half.
But she chanced the slightest peek back as she ran and saw him outlined against the flickering sky—a lonesome figure in the distance, his head tipped back toward the rush of the rain. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt—
Changed.
Overall, this made me laugh, cry and giddy. The epilogue tied all the strings together.
AMAZING!
Safe
5/5
“Alex, then. Have you noticed that this particular beast is not in possession of an udder?”
His blond brows drew together. “I don’t suppose I looked,” he said. “Why?”
She coughed delicately into her hand, valiantly resisting the urge to laugh. “That is Harold. Our bull.”
LMAO! Amazing read!
The book has a simple premise- the hero is Duke who is oblivious to his duties. He receives a scathing letter from one of his subjects, alleging mismanagement by the land agent who oversees one of his estate. He then decides to visit them in disguise, and his life changes.
He soon realizes that his disgruntled tenant is a feisty woman, who spends her days caring for her blind father and declining estate. However pretending to be a ranch hand isn't easy- be it burning the herbs or getting attacked by potatoes when he insults her. But the humor in this book is A++. When the hero spoke to the cats, my heart melted and when he tried to milk to bull, I laughed so hard tears poured! Ofcourse, as the story progresses, we see him genuinely try to contribute to the heroine's home, attempting tasks like shaving and procuring eggs, understanding the joy of hard work and accomplishments including celebrating calluses- and the most important, fall in love. This book does he fell first and harder trope very well.
The heroine was smart, hardworking and one of the strongest female characters I have read. She handled the whole family and circumstances so well- yet was vulnerable in moments of solitude. I absolutely adored her resilience and honesty.
And as Alex wheezed, locking his knees to avoid toppling straight to the floor, he fancied he might have fallen anyway. Just the tiniest bit, in love
The catch is that the other characters are aware of his deceit, but decide to humor him.. something that leads to significant angst and ample grovel in the second half.
But she chanced the slightest peek back as she ran and saw him outlined against the flickering sky—a lonesome figure in the distance, his head tipped back toward the rush of the rain. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt—
Changed.
Overall, this made me laugh, cry and giddy. The epilogue tied all the strings together.
AMAZING!
Safe
5/5
September 25, 2022
4.5/5. A delightful read by a new talent in HR. This is my second book in a row by this author based on the strength of her writing in the first book. She did not disappoint. The humour and banter is delightful but there is still an emotional core to the story. The two leads are utterly endearing and with a string of secondary characters equally likable especially Theo's huggable dad and Alex's meddlesome mother.
Alex Dryden is the Duke of Davenport who decides to escape his mother's matchmaking machinations by heading to one his long neglected rural estates to investigate the issues raised by an unusually irate and strong-worded letter of complaint from a tenant, Theo Vance. He thought to better achieve his aim of unmasking the possibly dodgy dealings of his land agent by disguising as a plebeian much to the amusement of his mother.
“My dear, you haven’t the slightest idea how to be anything but a duke, but I find the thought of you attempting it vastly entertaining.”
“How do I look?” “Hm.” The duchess tapped the point of one finger to her chin and sighed. “Like a duke masquerading as a commoner,” she said. “But I suspect the townsfolk in Surrey won’t be well enough acquainted with the nobility to recognize your particular brand of ducal arrogance.”
Theo is completely unimpressed by the newcomer who introduces himself as the duke's representative and she wastes no time getting Alex acquainted with all the ins and outs of farm life. Manure, blisters and sunburn follow in quick succession and it soon becomes an eye opening experience for him in more ways than one.
The second potato hit him in the solar plexus with the weight of a stone, thrown with an accuracy and a force that belied her middling height and slight frame, forcing the air from his lungs with it. “You’ll mind your manners, or you’ll suffer the consequences,” Theo snapped. “I don’t give a damn who you are.” And as Alex wheezed, locking his knees to avoid toppling straight to the floor, he fancied he might have fallen anyway. Just the tiniest bit, in love.
Here is a woman who is completely self-sufficient, who has gall and stamina to rival that of the most hardy of men, and who does not give a rat's arse about fancy dresses and fancy titles. In fact, it becomes more obvious that his title might be more a hindrance than a bonus in winning over her heart.
He imagined that, being so skilled at nearly everything else, Theo was likely more than proficient at holding a grudge.
Theo is a wonderful heroine. So capable in her multi-tasking abilities and fiercely protective of her father and her home, she was the perfect catalyst to awaken Alex's long dormant sense of responsibility.
“Of course you have better things to do,” she snarled. “But your better things are built upon the backs of those doing every small thing you consider to be beneath you. You owe the softness of your hands to every man, woman, and child who has ruined theirs in the service of ensuring that you and your ilk never have to consider from whence these things come.
Alex's personal growth is gradual and believable.
“Would you look at that?” he asked in a tone of wonderment, extending his hand to her. “Calluses. I’ve got calluses.” He sounded so absurdly pleased—almost proud. Of calluses? It beggared belief.
Kudos to him for willingly abandon his high perch, to open his eyes to the plight of his long-suffering tenants and make amends as best he could, although not always effectively. For all his initial failings and his years of neglect, Alex does have a good heart.
“Goddammit, Theo!” The roar fairly rattled the windows. “Just for that, I’ll—I’ll—I’ll name all of your bloody barn kittens!” As she stomped off toward her room, Theo wondered what it said of him that that was the greatest threat he could muster.
Theo's emotions are more guarded, endless stress and hard-work left her no room to just feel - until now.
Her lashes lowered, shying away from the intensity of his gaze. “Nothing—nothing has to change,” she said, and found herself lifting onto her toes when he pulled away a fraction of an inch.
He gave an entertained hum; his thumb stroked across her cheek. “Oh, Theo. Of course it does.” His nose brushed hers in an affectionate rub. “I’ve changed—you changed me. Do you really think you’re immune?”
Well, I definitely was not immune to the plentiful charms of this book and its two leads. It did slow down in the middle, as the focus was off the couple and more on bringing the shady land agent to justice. Still a wonderful book and looking forward to many more from this author. Best HR this year so far for me.
Alex Dryden is the Duke of Davenport who decides to escape his mother's matchmaking machinations by heading to one his long neglected rural estates to investigate the issues raised by an unusually irate and strong-worded letter of complaint from a tenant, Theo Vance. He thought to better achieve his aim of unmasking the possibly dodgy dealings of his land agent by disguising as a plebeian much to the amusement of his mother.
“My dear, you haven’t the slightest idea how to be anything but a duke, but I find the thought of you attempting it vastly entertaining.”
“How do I look?” “Hm.” The duchess tapped the point of one finger to her chin and sighed. “Like a duke masquerading as a commoner,” she said. “But I suspect the townsfolk in Surrey won’t be well enough acquainted with the nobility to recognize your particular brand of ducal arrogance.”
Theo is completely unimpressed by the newcomer who introduces himself as the duke's representative and she wastes no time getting Alex acquainted with all the ins and outs of farm life. Manure, blisters and sunburn follow in quick succession and it soon becomes an eye opening experience for him in more ways than one.
The second potato hit him in the solar plexus with the weight of a stone, thrown with an accuracy and a force that belied her middling height and slight frame, forcing the air from his lungs with it. “You’ll mind your manners, or you’ll suffer the consequences,” Theo snapped. “I don’t give a damn who you are.” And as Alex wheezed, locking his knees to avoid toppling straight to the floor, he fancied he might have fallen anyway. Just the tiniest bit, in love.
Here is a woman who is completely self-sufficient, who has gall and stamina to rival that of the most hardy of men, and who does not give a rat's arse about fancy dresses and fancy titles. In fact, it becomes more obvious that his title might be more a hindrance than a bonus in winning over her heart.
He imagined that, being so skilled at nearly everything else, Theo was likely more than proficient at holding a grudge.
Theo is a wonderful heroine. So capable in her multi-tasking abilities and fiercely protective of her father and her home, she was the perfect catalyst to awaken Alex's long dormant sense of responsibility.
“Of course you have better things to do,” she snarled. “But your better things are built upon the backs of those doing every small thing you consider to be beneath you. You owe the softness of your hands to every man, woman, and child who has ruined theirs in the service of ensuring that you and your ilk never have to consider from whence these things come.
Alex's personal growth is gradual and believable.
“Would you look at that?” he asked in a tone of wonderment, extending his hand to her. “Calluses. I’ve got calluses.” He sounded so absurdly pleased—almost proud. Of calluses? It beggared belief.
Kudos to him for willingly abandon his high perch, to open his eyes to the plight of his long-suffering tenants and make amends as best he could, although not always effectively. For all his initial failings and his years of neglect, Alex does have a good heart.
“Goddammit, Theo!” The roar fairly rattled the windows. “Just for that, I’ll—I’ll—I’ll name all of your bloody barn kittens!” As she stomped off toward her room, Theo wondered what it said of him that that was the greatest threat he could muster.
Theo's emotions are more guarded, endless stress and hard-work left her no room to just feel - until now.
Her lashes lowered, shying away from the intensity of his gaze. “Nothing—nothing has to change,” she said, and found herself lifting onto her toes when he pulled away a fraction of an inch.
He gave an entertained hum; his thumb stroked across her cheek. “Oh, Theo. Of course it does.” His nose brushed hers in an affectionate rub. “I’ve changed—you changed me. Do you really think you’re immune?”
Well, I definitely was not immune to the plentiful charms of this book and its two leads. It did slow down in the middle, as the focus was off the couple and more on bringing the shady land agent to justice. Still a wonderful book and looking forward to many more from this author. Best HR this year so far for me.
October 2, 2022
Perfect ending
For a few second there I hated the Duke but he did come through in the end at least. This was a very entertaining story. I actually laughed out loud at two or three parts and the book itself was extremely lovely. Theo was one of the best heroines ever. I loved her honesty and her strong will to endure the endless cycle of poverty and hard work. She was so incredibly wonderful and a perfect partner for the compassionate duke. I loved their interactions. I loved that he fell in love first. I loved that it was triggered by a potato thrown at his head. Lol. It was very cute. But I knew I loved him when he declared his love with the words, 'I love you, you screeching harpy', or words to that effect. Lol. I can't remember when I enjoyed a story this much. The duke has a heart of gold and his circle of friends are amazing. He did make a very bonehead move towards the end, but he rectified it. And the epilogue was priceless. I wish I could read this again for the first time.
For a few second there I hated the Duke but he did come through in the end at least. This was a very entertaining story. I actually laughed out loud at two or three parts and the book itself was extremely lovely. Theo was one of the best heroines ever. I loved her honesty and her strong will to endure the endless cycle of poverty and hard work. She was so incredibly wonderful and a perfect partner for the compassionate duke. I loved their interactions. I loved that he fell in love first. I loved that it was triggered by a potato thrown at his head. Lol. It was very cute. But I knew I loved him when he declared his love with the words, 'I love you, you screeching harpy', or words to that effect. Lol. I can't remember when I enjoyed a story this much. The duke has a heart of gold and his circle of friends are amazing. He did make a very bonehead move towards the end, but he rectified it. And the epilogue was priceless. I wish I could read this again for the first time.
August 19, 2023
I enjoy this author’s books a lot. There was decent angst, but the reason for the conflict was pretty silly. I liked Theo’s pluck, but she also got on my nerves. Alex was a likable H.
September 16, 2025
Just Alex
Alex, the Duke of Davenport received an irate letter from a tenant on one of his properties about their rent being raised. Having not been party to said rent raising, he had to decide how to handle the issue. If the steward he hired for the property had been cheating, both him and the tenants, he needed to find out didn’t he?
With a little help from his mother, the Duchess, Alex dressed as a solicitor, using his own name still, as though he were a distant relation to the Duke. Unknown to Alex, it didn’t take long for the people in the village to realize who he really was, and put him to work accordingly, as if they didn’t know. Especially the lady who wrote the letter, who had built quite a grudge over time against the Duke.
This is truly a wonderful story kind of fun and a little sad in spots, but very romantic in the end. I gave this mildly spicy story five stars because I loved it!
Alex, the Duke of Davenport received an irate letter from a tenant on one of his properties about their rent being raised. Having not been party to said rent raising, he had to decide how to handle the issue. If the steward he hired for the property had been cheating, both him and the tenants, he needed to find out didn’t he?
With a little help from his mother, the Duchess, Alex dressed as a solicitor, using his own name still, as though he were a distant relation to the Duke. Unknown to Alex, it didn’t take long for the people in the village to realize who he really was, and put him to work accordingly, as if they didn’t know. Especially the lady who wrote the letter, who had built quite a grudge over time against the Duke.
This is truly a wonderful story kind of fun and a little sad in spots, but very romantic in the end. I gave this mildly spicy story five stars because I loved it!
August 24, 2022
I feel like I am always looking for a 5 star book. That feeling of being sucked into a story and staying up until 2am to finish a book is the high I am always looking for. With each book Aydra Richards gives me those feelings, I get butterflies from her writing.
I read so many romance books that authors don't stand out unless they are phenomenal and Aydra Richards is phenomenal. I have officially read all her books and I am eagerly counting down until her next release.
I read so many romance books that authors don't stand out unless they are phenomenal and Aydra Richards is phenomenal. I have officially read all her books and I am eagerly counting down until her next release.
December 2, 2022
Ludicrous scenario.
January 4, 2024
Not as good as the other books in this series. The conflict near the end felt too contrived.
3 the epilogue was lovely stars.
3 the epilogue was lovely stars.
April 21, 2024
Last 20% was better.
February 27, 2025
I was between 2 and 3 stars. This book falls in between those two.
September 20, 2024
It was good but not great. Not a lot of steam but 2 scenes. That’s not why it’s not great but more steam (the good sort) always make me a more generous rater.
The issue happens around 80%. When the “reveal” happens. Alex’s response to it is rather extreme. And then Theo’s response to his response was way too prideful. I felt like the last 20% was completely unnecessary. I didn’t expect Alex, in particular, to act that way.
So 4 stars.
The issue happens around 80%. When the “reveal” happens. Alex’s response to it is rather extreme. And then Theo’s response to his response was way too prideful. I felt like the last 20% was completely unnecessary. I didn’t expect Alex, in particular, to act that way.
So 4 stars.
August 8, 2022
a hero to swoon over
This was a richly written, emotionally engaging, sometimes funny, sometimes angsty but entirely swoon-filled romance of a hero pushing his limits and discovering a world beyond his own.
I absolutely loved him and he made the romance for me. The heroine was ok, but she was often too shrewish, too obnoxious to be really likable. It was understandable in the beginning—her home and village were being drained and everyone was barely hanging on by a thread, so her animosity was totally justified. But when it became apparent the hero had no idea what was going on, when he starts to show himself willing to learn, to dig in and help and she keeps heaping scorn on his head—nah, bitch, you need to slow your roll. It stopped being cute and just got annoying. She was constantly cutting him down to the point where it was almost bullying.
But even the heroine couldn’t ruin the romance because the hero was so damn sweet and determined and persistent, that he just melted my heart. And I really liked that he wasn’t depicted as a giant manwhore. His past experiences were barely mentioned and that was refreshing. The only thing I found likable and redeemable about the heroine was that she was innocent and she gave herself to the hero with some amount of sweetness, giving him the gift of claiming her and she hadn’t tossed that away on another man. So point one for her and that was about it.
Safe. Hero’s past is barely mentioned, but he doesn’t come off as a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. No others, no cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
This was a richly written, emotionally engaging, sometimes funny, sometimes angsty but entirely swoon-filled romance of a hero pushing his limits and discovering a world beyond his own.
I absolutely loved him and he made the romance for me. The heroine was ok, but she was often too shrewish, too obnoxious to be really likable. It was understandable in the beginning—her home and village were being drained and everyone was barely hanging on by a thread, so her animosity was totally justified. But when it became apparent the hero had no idea what was going on, when he starts to show himself willing to learn, to dig in and help and she keeps heaping scorn on his head—nah, bitch, you need to slow your roll. It stopped being cute and just got annoying. She was constantly cutting him down to the point where it was almost bullying.
But even the heroine couldn’t ruin the romance because the hero was so damn sweet and determined and persistent, that he just melted my heart. And I really liked that he wasn’t depicted as a giant manwhore. His past experiences were barely mentioned and that was refreshing. The only thing I found likable and redeemable about the heroine was that she was innocent and she gave herself to the hero with some amount of sweetness, giving him the gift of claiming her and she hadn’t tossed that away on another man. So point one for her and that was about it.
Safe. Hero’s past is barely mentioned, but he doesn’t come off as a manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. No others, no cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
April 1, 2022
I loved the story line!
This is the first time I read this author and I really enjoyed the characters, the humor and the great family and friends vibe!
This is the first time I read this author and I really enjoyed the characters, the humor and the great family and friends vibe!
March 24, 2022
Wow
The character and plot development in this book is just superb. The duke who pretended to be an average person to correct the consequences of his neglect and met the heroine, the country girl who saw him for who he is and instantly disliked him but eventually they both fall in love as they both opened their hearts and minds in acceptance of who the other really is and who they really are. I love that the main story really is the live story and it did not depend upon the villain to tie the plot together. It was just purely the hero Nd heroine getting to know each other and discover themselves in the process. There was humor and emotional upheavals and the right amount of groveling and a wonderful epilogue. It was light enough to have that feel good vibe but it has enough depth and drama and heat to actually make this such a superb read.
The character and plot development in this book is just superb. The duke who pretended to be an average person to correct the consequences of his neglect and met the heroine, the country girl who saw him for who he is and instantly disliked him but eventually they both fall in love as they both opened their hearts and minds in acceptance of who the other really is and who they really are. I love that the main story really is the live story and it did not depend upon the villain to tie the plot together. It was just purely the hero Nd heroine getting to know each other and discover themselves in the process. There was humor and emotional upheavals and the right amount of groveling and a wonderful epilogue. It was light enough to have that feel good vibe but it has enough depth and drama and heat to actually make this such a superb read.
January 27, 2024
Ok, but kind of boring
October 25, 2023
Mostly charming and funny. There's so much humor to be found with the ultra-privileged soft-handed duke who can't even shave himself having to muck stalls and herd sheep. Alex and Theo are likable main characters and both have quite a bit of character growth.
I do kind of wish Alex had done a little more groveling in the end, though. His reaction to learning Theo (and the entire village) had figured out he was actually the duke was ridiculously over the top, and he just gets to go off and do a manbaby sulk for a few weeks? I mean, his fuckup wasn't on the level of some of Aydra Richards's heroes (no getting sent to jail or ruining of reputations here) but I could have done with at least another week of penance. Still a better grovel than a lot of other books.
The gutpunch was wonderfully painful. God how I adore it when the MMC is all 'call me by my title' or some other emotionally distancing name and then the FMC does and the MMC haaaates it. SO MUCH DELICIOUS ANGST.
I do kind of wish Alex had done a little more groveling in the end, though. His reaction to learning Theo (and the entire village) had figured out he was actually the duke was ridiculously over the top, and he just gets to go off and do a manbaby sulk for a few weeks? I mean, his fuckup wasn't on the level of some of Aydra Richards's heroes (no getting sent to jail or ruining of reputations here) but I could have done with at least another week of penance. Still a better grovel than a lot of other books.
The gutpunch was wonderfully painful. God how I adore it when the MMC is all 'call me by my title' or some other emotionally distancing name and then the FMC does and the MMC haaaates it. SO MUCH DELICIOUS ANGST.
March 24, 2025
1. The conflict in this book was completely manufactured. Alex didn’t want to tell Theo who he was because he knew that she HATED the duke and he was afraid that she wouldn’t want to marry him if she knew who he was. But, when he found out that she’d known all along that he was the duke, he was convinced that she had conspired to “trap him” into marriage. This despite the fact that he had been pursuing her relentlessly for months and that she had turned down several of his proposals before accepting.
2. Yeah, I was waiting for Alex’s big grovel after what he did to Theo but when he said she wouldn’t forgive him because she was a “coward”, I was done.
2. Yeah, I was waiting for Alex’s big grovel after what he did to Theo but when he said she wouldn’t forgive him because she was a “coward”, I was done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
Aydra is officially a new favorite author, because every book in this trilogy hit. They were all different, each couple had a different dynamic, and they hurt me in distinct ways. At the end of the day, that's all I'm really looking for.
Alex is a himbo duke. He doesn't like to do hard things, he doesn't want to get married, and he's a good friend. So when he suspects that his land agent isn't doing right by the tenants at one of his many holdings, he goes undercover to find evidence. And of course, he stays with a deeply overworked, competent, angry Theo. Who isn't the man that Alex expected her to be. It's delicious. Alex has to prove his usefulness, develop callouses, sleep in a hayloft, and generally get his head out of his own butt long enough to understand the reality of other people's lives.
Aydra has a way of making social commentary that works in our current time AND the time the books are set. This is not an easy thing, and it's just one of the reasons I'm in love with her writing. Theo's father is functionally blind, and she has been running herself into the ground for years trying to keep from losing their tenant farm. She doesn't want to be swept off her feet, she wants some help, but when Alex comes on the scene, all he does is make more work for her. Which to his credit, he does realize very quickly and seeks to rectify as best he can. Which isn't much, but we have to give him props for trying.
I actually love how much Alex doesn't excel. Too often the rich, handsome man is also immediately great at anything he tries, but our boy fumbles. He bleeds, and sweats, and still doesn't accomplish a quarter of what the people around him do every day. And he know it. I cannot overstate how wonderful it is.
Theo is a fantastic heroine. She's prickly, defensive, doesn't swoon over Alex's pretty face, and gives him shit for half the book. And parts of the rest. She doesn't pull punches, and she fights for what she loves with every breath in her. She accepts pleasure and comfort from Alex before she surrenders her heart to him, and his seduction is lovely. He's all in relatively early, but she is guarding her heart, knowing that she doesn't fit into his world. It feels so realistic but so resonant.
Obsessed.
Alex is a himbo duke. He doesn't like to do hard things, he doesn't want to get married, and he's a good friend. So when he suspects that his land agent isn't doing right by the tenants at one of his many holdings, he goes undercover to find evidence. And of course, he stays with a deeply overworked, competent, angry Theo. Who isn't the man that Alex expected her to be. It's delicious. Alex has to prove his usefulness, develop callouses, sleep in a hayloft, and generally get his head out of his own butt long enough to understand the reality of other people's lives.
Aydra has a way of making social commentary that works in our current time AND the time the books are set. This is not an easy thing, and it's just one of the reasons I'm in love with her writing. Theo's father is functionally blind, and she has been running herself into the ground for years trying to keep from losing their tenant farm. She doesn't want to be swept off her feet, she wants some help, but when Alex comes on the scene, all he does is make more work for her. Which to his credit, he does realize very quickly and seeks to rectify as best he can. Which isn't much, but we have to give him props for trying.
I actually love how much Alex doesn't excel. Too often the rich, handsome man is also immediately great at anything he tries, but our boy fumbles. He bleeds, and sweats, and still doesn't accomplish a quarter of what the people around him do every day. And he know it. I cannot overstate how wonderful it is.
Theo is a fantastic heroine. She's prickly, defensive, doesn't swoon over Alex's pretty face, and gives him shit for half the book. And parts of the rest. She doesn't pull punches, and she fights for what she loves with every breath in her. She accepts pleasure and comfort from Alex before she surrenders her heart to him, and his seduction is lovely. He's all in relatively early, but she is guarding her heart, knowing that she doesn't fit into his world. It feels so realistic but so resonant.
Obsessed.
September 1, 2025
I was super irritated by this book. We spend 60% of the book with the Duke learning chores in real time. There are two chaste kisses in this time. We spend 70% of the book not dealing with the villain, which is the whole reason he is there. That is taken care of by 75%. What the Duke did was unforgivable in my opinion. She didn’t take long to forgive him at all. His groveling was “I’m very sorry”. I wasn’t convinced. Grey from the first book is a terrible friend. I liked the first book the best from this series. I skimmed a lot in this one and never liked the Duke or felt any chemistry between the lead characters. Oh well.
July 22, 2025
I did enjoy this. Lily would probably pass out from the historical inaccuracy. But there was no grovel and guys I do love a bit of grovel. Probs not my favourite aydra Richard’s book, but still quite good.
April 24, 2023
Well written and enjoyable but middle of the road for me. It does take a while to get started and it drags a bit in the first part.
Steam: 2.5 (one or two scenes, little emphasis on sexual tension)
Steam: 2.5 (one or two scenes, little emphasis on sexual tension)
August 1, 2022
This was a solid 4 star read for me until we reached the conflict and then I got frustrated. Then I slept on it (read: stewed a bit more) so I'm going with 3 stars because of the start and the epilogue. Prior to the conflict, it's an easy read that has some humor and nice character development for the H as he goes from a negligent Duke to working with his tenants while being disguised and having multiple epiphanies in that time. The h also undergoes some changes with learning to lean on others and open up more. They slowly warm to each other and fall in love. The story is written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama, h is a virgin and H is not but no details, and no bc used.
I liked the h a lot, even though she was more prickly than I tend to enjoy. Loved the secondary characters, including h's father and H's friends who had earlier books. The h's father is blind and there's a lovely plot line involving him that I thought was handled nicely. We also see cute animals, always a winner. I enjoyed details like a landowner's responsibility towards their tenants. It was clear there was research done. While there is on page steam, it's not very detailed. This is a slow burn and there are only a couple of scenes, but there are kissing scenes where the H is resisting going further to not compromise her.
Sometimes the story veered into repetition and there were times minor grammatical errors took me out of the story. There were secrets kept on both sides regarding the duke being in disguise - him pretending to be a solicitor and her (and the rest of the town) pretending they don't know. This dragged on for longer than I wanted and I kept waiting for one of them to finally clear the air. Then once it happened, the reaction was the major conflict and it was frustrating, along with the resolution. Major spoilers - . His errors are a one-time situation, it still doesn't excuse his egregious behavior.
The story ends with a HEA and an adorable epilogue, including the characters from the prior two books. Based on the author's note, it seems this was the author's first series and I'd be willing to look into her other books in the future.
I liked the h a lot, even though she was more prickly than I tend to enjoy. Loved the secondary characters, including h's father and H's friends who had earlier books. The h's father is blind and there's a lovely plot line involving him that I thought was handled nicely. We also see cute animals, always a winner. I enjoyed details like a landowner's responsibility towards their tenants. It was clear there was research done. While there is on page steam, it's not very detailed. This is a slow burn and there are only a couple of scenes, but there are kissing scenes where the H is resisting going further to not compromise her.
Sometimes the story veered into repetition and there were times minor grammatical errors took me out of the story. There were secrets kept on both sides regarding the duke being in disguise - him pretending to be a solicitor and her (and the rest of the town) pretending they don't know. This dragged on for longer than I wanted and I kept waiting for one of them to finally clear the air. Then once it happened, the reaction was the major conflict and it was frustrating, along with the resolution. Major spoilers - . His errors are a one-time situation, it still doesn't excuse his egregious behavior.
The story ends with a HEA and an adorable epilogue, including the characters from the prior two books. Based on the author's note, it seems this was the author's first series and I'd be willing to look into her other books in the future.
April 10, 2024
A reader knows after the first few pages whether or not they can trust a writer. We readers want a fair and honest plot, with characters that are interesting and logical in thought and deed. We do not require the three-act premise with a quest somewhere in Act 2, but we do require a structure to the story that makes sense.
This book could easily have earned a 5-star rating but for a few unfortunate failings that could not be overlooked.
On the plus side:
The plot is interesting. We have an absentee duke who has never seen the unentailed property that he owns in Surrey. It has been allowed to fall into massive disrepair and families are facing the loss of their farms and starvation. The duke has turned over the running of the estate to a land agent, Mr. Jennings, who has stolen from the tenets of the estate and the duke. Theo, one of the tenets, writes an excoriating letter to the duke scolding him for raising the rents…again. He has no idea what the tenet is writing about and decides to find out for himself…incognito, disguised as a traveler stopping at the village inn for a bit.
On the minus side:
The plot is not well thought out. It starts strong only to dwindle as the story moves along. I have the impression that the plot grew as the writer wrote, rather than having it planned out so it would follow logically from one step to another. For the writer, this is probably great fun, for the reader, not so much. The premise is laid out for us early on, but at 30% completion, it had run its course and could have been ended quickly. Instead, we are taken on a quest for a missing ledger that seems to have been concocted out of thin air. Grey, a friend of the duke-in-disguise has already been to the estate manor and found the ledger but left it for the duke to find because Grey felt the duke needed to do this himself; Grey even drew the duke a map to the room where the ledger was kept. This is beyond credulity. We have a self-serving land agent who has harmed innocents, and Grey decides to play a game. Add to this, the duke (who brought Theo along with him) does not find the ledger. They leave empty-handed. Later in the book, Theo goes after the ledger with a friend and—wonder of wonders—finds the ledger and saves the estate tenets. This second hunt for the ledger takes place outside the story and is merely mentioned. So odd….
On the plus side:
The duke—Alex—is a likeable fellow. He’s good hearted and means well. He does care about the tenets once he gets to know them. Before his disguised self arrives, he’s been playing at being a duke, blissfully unaware, ignorant, and oblivious of what is going on in his Surrey estate. Once he arrives, he tries to blend in and fails wonderfully. That is fun to read. And it endears him to the reader.
On the minus side:
The duke is made to be illogical when he goes off in a snit to pout and feel let down by the woman he’s fallen in love with. She did nothing to merit his ire and bad behavior. His running away is also not in character. The writer has failed us.
On the plus side:
Theo is a woman, a nickname for Theodosia. She is hateful, mean, vindictive, and utterly miserable to the duke, but we understand the reason. She has written him multiple letters to which he has never replied. (In fact, he never read them. He’s a duke and doesn’t do much of anything for himself.) So, when Theo catches on that Alex is the duke, disguised to mingle among the country folk, she has a rousing good time making him pay. There is a fine line between jest and cruelty and, happily, the writer stays on the “jest” side of that line. There is a goodness in Theo that appeals to a reader.
On the minus side:
In the end, she is made to give in to the duke without any grand gestures on his part. He simply sticks around. The sticking around part is good, but up to their reconciliation, he really did owe Theo a great deal more than just being there. He humiliated her, called her names and accused her of being after his title, another ridiculous notion because she’s berated him from the beginning, when she knew he was a duke. She never wanted to be a duchess. So…she forgave him far too easily when it had been a nasty breakup.
On the plus side:
The writing is exemplary. The writer is good. Word choices are appropriate for the time. The writer’s style is a true pleasure to read.
On the minus side:
There are some mistakes:
There is a jarring change of tense from past to present: “…he did not perceive her knowledge as a threat to his pride. He has simply…asked for her help.” The book is written in past tense. This would be better as, “He had simply…asked for her help.”
A typo causes the reader to pause: “…abuzz over the crew of workmen than had arrived.” That should read, “…the crew of workmen that had arrived.”
Here, there are one too many “is” verbs: “The truth is of it is, I’m not capable.” One of the “is’s” needs to go. Either “The truth of it is, I’m not capable,” or “The truth is I’m not capable.”
At one point, a sentence at the end of a paragraph simply stops without ending, not even with a punctuation mark: “Chin up, my girl. I’ll be back before you know it. Now, come see me” This last sentence makes no sense. Tom is going to London and he’s talking to Theo who will not come see him since he’s keeping the purpose of his trip a secret.
There’s an extra “s” on a word being used as an adjective: “…the set of skeletons keys….” That should be, “…the set of skeleton keys….”
Here, we need a verb: “There will nothing sordid or tawdry or unsavory about it.” I believe that should read, “There will be nothing sordid or tawdry or unsavory about it.”
The wrong verb form is used here: “And when I’m doing being furious with you….” That should read, “And when I’m done being furious with you….”
I rated this book a solid 3.5 stars and rounded up. I went back and forth rounding up versus rounding down. I rounded up due mostly to the writer’s solid writing style, so enjoyable to read. However, even the best writing style cannot save a plot that loses its way. The quest for a ledger was actually based on a plausible need, but the way it came about defied logic. The duke’s friend located it and yet left it for the duke to find in a game that had human livelihoods in the balance. And what an anticlimax to have this important ledger found only in the background, presented as an accomplished feat at the end of the book. The duke’s extraordinarily inconsistent behavior was another drain on the story. The ending was a letdown as well, and surprisingly hurried, as if the writer found the book too long and decided to simply end it. All in all, it was the writer’s style that supported the four-star rating. And...I liked the premise immensely.
This book could easily have earned a 5-star rating but for a few unfortunate failings that could not be overlooked.
On the plus side:
The plot is interesting. We have an absentee duke who has never seen the unentailed property that he owns in Surrey. It has been allowed to fall into massive disrepair and families are facing the loss of their farms and starvation. The duke has turned over the running of the estate to a land agent, Mr. Jennings, who has stolen from the tenets of the estate and the duke. Theo, one of the tenets, writes an excoriating letter to the duke scolding him for raising the rents…again. He has no idea what the tenet is writing about and decides to find out for himself…incognito, disguised as a traveler stopping at the village inn for a bit.
On the minus side:
The plot is not well thought out. It starts strong only to dwindle as the story moves along. I have the impression that the plot grew as the writer wrote, rather than having it planned out so it would follow logically from one step to another. For the writer, this is probably great fun, for the reader, not so much. The premise is laid out for us early on, but at 30% completion, it had run its course and could have been ended quickly. Instead, we are taken on a quest for a missing ledger that seems to have been concocted out of thin air. Grey, a friend of the duke-in-disguise has already been to the estate manor and found the ledger but left it for the duke to find because Grey felt the duke needed to do this himself; Grey even drew the duke a map to the room where the ledger was kept. This is beyond credulity. We have a self-serving land agent who has harmed innocents, and Grey decides to play a game. Add to this, the duke (who brought Theo along with him) does not find the ledger. They leave empty-handed. Later in the book, Theo goes after the ledger with a friend and—wonder of wonders—finds the ledger and saves the estate tenets. This second hunt for the ledger takes place outside the story and is merely mentioned. So odd….
On the plus side:
The duke—Alex—is a likeable fellow. He’s good hearted and means well. He does care about the tenets once he gets to know them. Before his disguised self arrives, he’s been playing at being a duke, blissfully unaware, ignorant, and oblivious of what is going on in his Surrey estate. Once he arrives, he tries to blend in and fails wonderfully. That is fun to read. And it endears him to the reader.
On the minus side:
The duke is made to be illogical when he goes off in a snit to pout and feel let down by the woman he’s fallen in love with. She did nothing to merit his ire and bad behavior. His running away is also not in character. The writer has failed us.
On the plus side:
Theo is a woman, a nickname for Theodosia. She is hateful, mean, vindictive, and utterly miserable to the duke, but we understand the reason. She has written him multiple letters to which he has never replied. (In fact, he never read them. He’s a duke and doesn’t do much of anything for himself.) So, when Theo catches on that Alex is the duke, disguised to mingle among the country folk, she has a rousing good time making him pay. There is a fine line between jest and cruelty and, happily, the writer stays on the “jest” side of that line. There is a goodness in Theo that appeals to a reader.
On the minus side:
In the end, she is made to give in to the duke without any grand gestures on his part. He simply sticks around. The sticking around part is good, but up to their reconciliation, he really did owe Theo a great deal more than just being there. He humiliated her, called her names and accused her of being after his title, another ridiculous notion because she’s berated him from the beginning, when she knew he was a duke. She never wanted to be a duchess. So…she forgave him far too easily when it had been a nasty breakup.
On the plus side:
The writing is exemplary. The writer is good. Word choices are appropriate for the time. The writer’s style is a true pleasure to read.
On the minus side:
There are some mistakes:
There is a jarring change of tense from past to present: “…he did not perceive her knowledge as a threat to his pride. He has simply…asked for her help.” The book is written in past tense. This would be better as, “He had simply…asked for her help.”
A typo causes the reader to pause: “…abuzz over the crew of workmen than had arrived.” That should read, “…the crew of workmen that had arrived.”
Here, there are one too many “is” verbs: “The truth is of it is, I’m not capable.” One of the “is’s” needs to go. Either “The truth of it is, I’m not capable,” or “The truth is I’m not capable.”
At one point, a sentence at the end of a paragraph simply stops without ending, not even with a punctuation mark: “Chin up, my girl. I’ll be back before you know it. Now, come see me” This last sentence makes no sense. Tom is going to London and he’s talking to Theo who will not come see him since he’s keeping the purpose of his trip a secret.
There’s an extra “s” on a word being used as an adjective: “…the set of skeletons keys….” That should be, “…the set of skeleton keys….”
Here, we need a verb: “There will nothing sordid or tawdry or unsavory about it.” I believe that should read, “There will be nothing sordid or tawdry or unsavory about it.”
The wrong verb form is used here: “And when I’m doing being furious with you….” That should read, “And when I’m done being furious with you….”
I rated this book a solid 3.5 stars and rounded up. I went back and forth rounding up versus rounding down. I rounded up due mostly to the writer’s solid writing style, so enjoyable to read. However, even the best writing style cannot save a plot that loses its way. The quest for a ledger was actually based on a plausible need, but the way it came about defied logic. The duke’s friend located it and yet left it for the duke to find in a game that had human livelihoods in the balance. And what an anticlimax to have this important ledger found only in the background, presented as an accomplished feat at the end of the book. The duke’s extraordinarily inconsistent behavior was another drain on the story. The ending was a letdown as well, and surprisingly hurried, as if the writer found the book too long and decided to simply end it. All in all, it was the writer’s style that supported the four-star rating. And...I liked the premise immensely.
September 25, 2024
Definitely my favourite in the series, even if that move was so, so dumb... although I guess it was to be expected from Alex. Almost perfection.
Read
October 19, 2022DNFed at the halfway mark. It had its moments of cuteness, but I was ultimately bored by this. I'm sorry. :(
August 31, 2023
Representation: Blind supporting character
Overall: 4.25-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions/Not Safe*
Possible Triggers: None
Ending:
Overall: 4.25-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions/Not Safe*
Possible Triggers: None
Ending:
July 28, 2024
Alex was my favourite from the previous books and so i was especially excited to read this one. The excitement died pretty soon after.
My thing with books is that there doesn’t have to be turmoil or the third act break up or any big reveals. It just has to be believable. That when a character is rife with inner turmoil i can atleast be sympathetic. The whole I’m a duke and no one will love me doesn’t work at all, like god cry me a river.
And then the author made a grave mistake. She made our beloved duke make an irreparable mistake and DIDNT MAKE HIM GROVEL ENOUGH. His apology and explanation just again seemed like a pity party. Like hello you left and didn’t marry her? Why? Oh because youre a duke….
My thing with books is that there doesn’t have to be turmoil or the third act break up or any big reveals. It just has to be believable. That when a character is rife with inner turmoil i can atleast be sympathetic. The whole I’m a duke and no one will love me doesn’t work at all, like god cry me a river.
And then the author made a grave mistake. She made our beloved duke make an irreparable mistake and DIDNT MAKE HIM GROVEL ENOUGH. His apology and explanation just again seemed like a pity party. Like hello you left and didn’t marry her? Why? Oh because youre a duke….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2024
Fun story and made farming actually sound interesting. But I didn't think the characters had chemistry so I didn't find their love story believable nor was I rooting for them. All the other side plots were more interesting to me. Also, I hate a third-act breakup, esp when the reason for it is just one character being a total idiot.
November 1, 2022
SPOILERS
My reviews in this genre have been slowly dwindling down. From 4 to 3 to now 2... the trend isn't looking good.
I chose this particular novel because
a. it just appeared in my search for future books
and more importantly
b. because the book moved away from ballrooms and dancing- NOT that ballrooms and dancing are BAD per se (they're actually quite fun and something to look forward to), just that I've read a couple already and needed a change.
This book isn't bad. It's as well written as any other historical fiction... I think what let me down a little was the plot. Or the lack of it.
It starts off strong. The duke receives a letter from one of his tenants about the state of affairs at the land- the tenant being Theo and the land being practically deprived due to the extortionate rents.
There was good/mild humour- the colourful language used in the note, the flair for Alex's mother's dramatics, the set-up for disguising himself too. I will be honest- I feel as though the whole mission of going in disguise came quite quickly and out of the blue. I thought there should have been more persuasion/thinking it through- but in the end, he's taken an unmarked carriage to the countryside.
Alex immediately comes to terms with how out of place he is. No callouses on his hands, his clothing being a touch too in fashion even with them being 3 years outdated and his rules and manners which don't quite fit in with the country lot.
He works hard, is overridden with guilt and does his best to help out where he can incognito.
Unfortunately for Alex, it doesn't take much time for Theo and the town to figure out that he is, in fact, the duke who's neglected them and practically left them to rot. Eventually, they all warm up to him and come to terms with how much Alex really does care.
And that is exactly how - give or take - half the book plays out. As I was saying, it isn't BAD- it just isn't exciting. Given the fact that the book is centred around the countryside (full of monotony and bore), you'd have thought the author would have included events that could've lightened things up and brought in something more.
When we do reach halfway- we are FINALLY introduced to new characters. Alex's friends make their way down to the country to help out with the farm work/renovating/sneaking into the manor to find the ledgers.
These characters bring a relief- not only because they help out the MC's with the work- but they bring with them some mild humour. Taking me right back to the start of the novel where things actually felt 'fun'. Violet chaperoning and her relationship with John (even though we don't see much) are far more enticing to read about than Alex and Theo's woes. Even though their roles are small it is exactly what is needed to help me get through reading. Had they not existed or come in right at that moment in time, I would've put the book down and called it a day.
That concludes MOST of the novel. The final stage where everything goes wrong proves to irritate me to such an extent that I couldn't even figure out whether I wanted to continue or leave to read to the predictable end just to prove the satisfaction of being right. The latter won.
The dispute: During a hectic interaction, Theo finally reveals that she knew that Alex was the duke all along. Alex takes it all the wrong way and instead of communicating like any normal human being... he decides to jump to silly conclusions (which aren't even logical- for instance: he basically says she's after the title of Duchess, even though it took her aggggeeesss to agree to marry him and on top of that was rude 75% of the time) and decides to RUN AWAY.
I'M SORRY BUT WHY?!? Alex has been virtually unproblematic the ENTIRE novel and then goes and pulls a silly stunt like this.
And what gets me EVEN MORE MAD is that on the day of the wedding, when he finally realises he should come back- he does it IN SPITE of the fact that she's a gold digger. As in, he was willing to settle with her EVEN THOUGH he still believed her to be a black-hearted witch (he didn't use those words but you get the point). I can't tell whether or not the reader was meant to fall to their feet and swoon but if I'm being entirely honest... it was quite disappointing.
Safe to say, this whole running away episode ruined every ounce of good character development he obtained. I was thoroughly disappointed. I sound like a condescending mother.
To give Theo credit... she does take a while warming back up to him. The scene where he shows her the marriage licence he obtained and then her ripping it was one of the highlights of this novel. She took her time, revealed her insecurities, wanted to make sure that she wouldn't be hurt again/he won't just leave her stranded again. Which is all reasonable so good on her I guess.
It finally concludes with them being married and having a son. Not too bad.
I'm lacking the passion for this book. I don't really feel much. It just is what it is. Yeah, some points annoyed me but there was nothing really that stood out to me. And for that and everything else... I'm leaving this with a 2-star review.
My reviews in this genre have been slowly dwindling down. From 4 to 3 to now 2... the trend isn't looking good.
I chose this particular novel because
a. it just appeared in my search for future books
and more importantly
b. because the book moved away from ballrooms and dancing- NOT that ballrooms and dancing are BAD per se (they're actually quite fun and something to look forward to), just that I've read a couple already and needed a change.
This book isn't bad. It's as well written as any other historical fiction... I think what let me down a little was the plot. Or the lack of it.
It starts off strong. The duke receives a letter from one of his tenants about the state of affairs at the land- the tenant being Theo and the land being practically deprived due to the extortionate rents.
There was good/mild humour- the colourful language used in the note, the flair for Alex's mother's dramatics, the set-up for disguising himself too. I will be honest- I feel as though the whole mission of going in disguise came quite quickly and out of the blue. I thought there should have been more persuasion/thinking it through- but in the end, he's taken an unmarked carriage to the countryside.
Alex immediately comes to terms with how out of place he is. No callouses on his hands, his clothing being a touch too in fashion even with them being 3 years outdated and his rules and manners which don't quite fit in with the country lot.
He works hard, is overridden with guilt and does his best to help out where he can incognito.
Unfortunately for Alex, it doesn't take much time for Theo and the town to figure out that he is, in fact, the duke who's neglected them and practically left them to rot. Eventually, they all warm up to him and come to terms with how much Alex really does care.
And that is exactly how - give or take - half the book plays out. As I was saying, it isn't BAD- it just isn't exciting. Given the fact that the book is centred around the countryside (full of monotony and bore), you'd have thought the author would have included events that could've lightened things up and brought in something more.
When we do reach halfway- we are FINALLY introduced to new characters. Alex's friends make their way down to the country to help out with the farm work/renovating/sneaking into the manor to find the ledgers.
These characters bring a relief- not only because they help out the MC's with the work- but they bring with them some mild humour. Taking me right back to the start of the novel where things actually felt 'fun'. Violet chaperoning and her relationship with John (even though we don't see much) are far more enticing to read about than Alex and Theo's woes. Even though their roles are small it is exactly what is needed to help me get through reading. Had they not existed or come in right at that moment in time, I would've put the book down and called it a day.
That concludes MOST of the novel. The final stage where everything goes wrong proves to irritate me to such an extent that I couldn't even figure out whether I wanted to continue or leave to read to the predictable end just to prove the satisfaction of being right. The latter won.
The dispute: During a hectic interaction, Theo finally reveals that she knew that Alex was the duke all along. Alex takes it all the wrong way and instead of communicating like any normal human being... he decides to jump to silly conclusions (which aren't even logical- for instance: he basically says she's after the title of Duchess, even though it took her aggggeeesss to agree to marry him and on top of that was rude 75% of the time) and decides to RUN AWAY.
I'M SORRY BUT WHY?!? Alex has been virtually unproblematic the ENTIRE novel and then goes and pulls a silly stunt like this.
And what gets me EVEN MORE MAD is that on the day of the wedding, when he finally realises he should come back- he does it IN SPITE of the fact that she's a gold digger. As in, he was willing to settle with her EVEN THOUGH he still believed her to be a black-hearted witch (he didn't use those words but you get the point). I can't tell whether or not the reader was meant to fall to their feet and swoon but if I'm being entirely honest... it was quite disappointing.
Safe to say, this whole running away episode ruined every ounce of good character development he obtained. I was thoroughly disappointed. I sound like a condescending mother.
To give Theo credit... she does take a while warming back up to him. The scene where he shows her the marriage licence he obtained and then her ripping it was one of the highlights of this novel. She took her time, revealed her insecurities, wanted to make sure that she wouldn't be hurt again/he won't just leave her stranded again. Which is all reasonable so good on her I guess.
It finally concludes with them being married and having a son. Not too bad.
I'm lacking the passion for this book. I don't really feel much. It just is what it is. Yeah, some points annoyed me but there was nothing really that stood out to me. And for that and everything else... I'm leaving this with a 2-star review.
November 24, 2024
This wasn’t “steamy” to me. A fast paced plot though. Lots of internal thoughts repeated throughout the book. Biggest disappointment was the usual plot twist at the end had the Hero acting like paranoid child. Ruined the whole book.
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