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softcalico's review
2.0
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, this kind of disappointed me. I really liked Eva Devon's The Duke's Secret Cinderella, so I was surprised that this wasn't hitting as hard. There is instant attraction between the two main characters, which I can understand as this is a shorter book. However, it relied on the "not like other girls" trope a bit too much in order to make the FMC stand out. The dialogue spoken by the FMC also seems out of place for an HR, speaking very modern (though not using slang or anything like that). However, once the romance got going, it was very sweet and made for an easy read. I would recommend this to someone looking for a bite-size beauty & the beast HR.
To be honest, this kind of disappointed me. I really liked Eva Devon's The Duke's Secret Cinderella, so I was surprised that this wasn't hitting as hard. There is instant attraction between the two main characters, which I can understand as this is a shorter book. However, it relied on the "not like other girls" trope a bit too much in order to make the FMC stand out. The dialogue spoken by the FMC also seems out of place for an HR, speaking very modern (though not using slang or anything like that). However, once the romance got going, it was very sweet and made for an easy read. I would recommend this to someone looking for a bite-size beauty & the beast HR.
mariah3's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shannonlangton's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I wanted to really like this one. The premise is fun and the characters were set up well.
But some of the writing was so clunky and dragging. It felt like we needed to be told want to think and give reason in plain, painful, clarity instead of through the story itself.
Plus the 2 abrupt turns in mentality/ personality in the MMC was jarring.
It was fun but could have done with better editing.
But some of the writing was so clunky and dragging. It felt like we needed to be told want to think and give reason in plain, painful, clarity instead of through the story itself.
Plus the 2 abrupt turns in mentality/ personality in the MMC was jarring.
It was fun but could have done with better editing.
nvjtgll13's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
saveroomforpi's review
Stopping for now, may pick it back up. Too many other books in progress.
somasunshine's review
Idk, everything went too fast, they knew each other for a few days and were already in love?
andrea_author's review
5.0
Elizabeth's family bookshop relies on the patronage of the imperious and reclusive Duke of Montrose. So when he threatens to take his business elsewhere, she must appease him or risk losing everything. Seeing behind his mask, she discovers a man with a warm and gentle heart. But can a duke and a merchant have a future together?
I loved these characters. Garrett is exactly the sort of hero I enjoy reading about. He's self-assured without being selfish or unkind. It takes him a while to figure out what to do about the imbalance in their social standing, but he always values Elizabeth for her intelligence and how perfectly matched they are. This book was a pleasure to read.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved these characters. Garrett is exactly the sort of hero I enjoy reading about. He's self-assured without being selfish or unkind. It takes him a while to figure out what to do about the imbalance in their social standing, but he always values Elizabeth for her intelligence and how perfectly matched they are. This book was a pleasure to read.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review
4.0
A young bookseller falls in love with a reclusive, powerful duke in this Beauty-and-the-Beast-meets-Pride-and-Prejudice retelling.
When Miss Elizabeth Sharpe gets tasked with delivering books weekly to Garrett Maximilian, Duke of Montrose, she never expects to form a bond with him. He’s blunt, keeps to himself and his causes, and is so very far above her station.
Despite their differences, Elizabeth is able to see what he needs. She prides herself on matching each reader with the perfect book, and when she convinces Garrett to allow her to bring him novels, they form a two-person book club—how scandalous—with Pride and Prejudice as the first selection.
I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting of the minds along with the growing attraction between Elizabeth and Garrett. He has some decidedly Darcy-esque moments, and while communication does not always run smoothly for the couple, you can feel the care and devotion between them. Plus there is an only-one-bed situation, which I always appreciate.
Devon also delivers discussions on mental health, alcoholism, gender roles, and class differences.
I received an advance copy of the book from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
When Miss Elizabeth Sharpe gets tasked with delivering books weekly to Garrett Maximilian, Duke of Montrose, she never expects to form a bond with him. He’s blunt, keeps to himself and his causes, and is so very far above her station.
Despite their differences, Elizabeth is able to see what he needs. She prides herself on matching each reader with the perfect book, and when she convinces Garrett to allow her to bring him novels, they form a two-person book club—how scandalous—with Pride and Prejudice as the first selection.
I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting of the minds along with the growing attraction between Elizabeth and Garrett. He has some decidedly Darcy-esque moments, and while communication does not always run smoothly for the couple, you can feel the care and devotion between them. Plus there is an only-one-bed situation, which I always appreciate.
Devon also delivers discussions on mental health, alcoholism, gender roles, and class differences.
I received an advance copy of the book from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.