Romancing the Duke
Ratings66
Average rating3.9
0 brain cells were engaged in the reading of this book. Fun, fluffy nonsense, five stars no notes. My first ever historical romance and the library copy I read had a way less daunting, way more contemporary looking cover so don't be put off.
Over Thanksgiving, Matt and I went to go see Knives Out with my sister and brother-in-law, and we loved it so much we saw it again over Christmas, this time with my parents. In it, Chris Evans plays a lazy ne'er-do-well named Ransom, who has just been cut off financially by his wealthy grandfather, who was then discovered dead in his study later that night. It's a lot more complicated than that and it's an excellent movie, with all the characters having great motives and lying about their whereabouts and stabbing each other in the metaphorical back.
ANYWAY. One of Matt's favorite characters is this lady:
The decrepit mother of the dead man. One of her few lines, said in a rather scratchy, creaky voice: “Ransom? Are you back again already?”
The hero's name in Romancing the Duke is also Ransom. So every time Matt asked me how the book was going, he followed it up with his own croaking rendition, which made both of us laugh.
This was not my favorite by Dare. The ending felt rushed, and like the main plot of Ransom's solicitors stealing from him got shunted to the side in favor of a dumber climax. There were some ... problematic things the Duke did that could be read as ... kind of rape-y. (I'm thinking of the scene in the library; anger is not an excuse for threatening assault.) Still overall a good story, and I enjoyed the audiobook, but a story can be gothic and moody and have a miserable hero without him throwing red flags all over the pages. I liked Izzy, but thought the plotline with the cosplayers was a little over the top.
(We didn't see Knives Out a third time when it came to the local theater. That might have been Too Much.)
This one was VERY close to 5 stars. This was just plain old fun. I'm surprised I liked it as I did but it was extremely fast paced and just a blast.
Fun characters in an unusual circumstance. Having a blind character was also a surprise.
There was a twist I honestly didn't see coming– perhaps because I wasn't thinking of it as a possibility?? But I had so much fun. I am coming to really enjoying this author's work. I will be continuing on with the series.
This book was so full of tropes it should have been frustrating, but instead it was just a fun read. The overall plot may not be overly original, but the dialogue and character idiosyncrasies we highly entertaining. The subtle humor, witch included jokes about Star Wars were also great when I cought them. Quick entertaining read. I may have to check out more by the author.
So cute! I just love TD's books so far. I enjoy that her heroine's are all gorgeous women with thick luscious hair, with perfect everything's and all that. Some of them are you know, regular type people. Not gorgeous. I especially liked Izzy because I could relate to her. Frizzy hair? check. Big nose? check(I am Italian) Awkwardness? check! Excellent. If you like romance novels, I definitely suggest you give Tessa Dare a try. She has not let me down yet.
“Release the ermine!”
This shall be my new battle cry.
In seriousness though, after the heavy, action laden not-serious-but-dangerous book I read previously, I was looking for frothy romance. Little did I know that I would come to care for the characters in here so much.
Really, I've never rated a romance novel at 5 stars before because they always lack a little something to make me love it that much. (I've always said that I have an easier time to care about the characters when they're out rescuing life and limb than just sitting around.) But this one has everything: amazing main characters, wonderful supporting cast, heart wrenching moments and moments that I couldn't help but laugh.
This might have been my first Tessa Dare book (why?) but it certainly won't be my last!
