Saturday, December 22, 2012

[Review]: "The Ugly Duchess"

 

The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James
Publisher: Avon (August 28, 2012)
Series: Fairy Tales, 4
Genre: Historical Romance


How can she dare to imagine he loves her . . . when all London calls her The Ugly Duchess?

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke's passion.

Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months.

Theo would have given it a lifetime . . . until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.

Society was shocked by their wedding . . . and is scandalized by their separation.

Now James faces the battle of his life, convincing Theo that he loves the duckling who blossomed into the swan.

And Theo will quickly find that, for a man with the soul of a pirate, All's Fair in Love—and War.
 
 
Where to Buy*:
 
More Info:
Add it on GoodReads!Find the Series
 
 
 
 
 
My Review:
 
My Thoughts on The Ugly Duchess (With the help of Quotes)

 
Liked:
 
Wit and Humor



 “But if I were carrying a child, my figure would change. I would have more in front. Maybe we should try again tonight.”

James frowned down at her. “You mean you want to develop the bovine look that some woman have? Udders?”
 
 
 
You can tell that this was during the beginning of the book, when both of them were so young. But I really liked this section of the book. 

           


  “I should think small would be a benefit. I'm certain most woman would prefer it. They should boast about those nicknames.”

[During a conversation involving, ahem, male anatomy.]
 
 
 
 


She'd have to keep that in mind, she thought idly, her fingers trailing down the polished banister as she descended the stairs. Her husband needed regular exercise. Rather like having a dog.
 
 
 

*Snort* I laughed at this one. Out loud. I was in a public place at the time. Needless to say I received a few odd glances, but I just kept reading, with a silly smirk on my face. :D

 


“Don't bellow at me,” Theo responded. “I'm not a terrified scullery maid facing your father. If you throw a china shepherdess at me, I'll pick up the bloody dinning room table and throw it at your head.”

 
 
I loved this quote from Theo because it showed just how strong she is--she will NOT put up with his crap, and I like that in a heroine!
 

Sweet, Romantic, etc.
 



”But being married means that only one person's opinion matters, doesn't it?”

 
 
If I remember correctly, this quote was from Theo's maid (don't quote me on that!), but it really stood out for me. Theo had been talking about how she was still upset that society didn't like this or that about her.
 
 
        





 ”Because you may be Theo when we're at breakfast, or at a play or something, but when I'm holding you like this, you're my Daisy.” He took her mouth again and Theo melted against him, thoughts fading before the onslaught of his mouth and his hands and the arrogant strength of his body against hers.

 
 
 

*melts*


           
 
 
Disliked:
 

Theo's naive personality (beginning of book)
 



 “He will love me,” Theo explained. “I shall quite enjoy watching him dissect our fellow man, but because he will love me, I'll be out of bounds.”

 
                     
Although, for the most part Theo does learn as the book goes on, and is much stronger towards the end, at the time this passage almost made me throttle some sense into her. Almost.

 

James' Unfaithful Time
 
 


 Unfaithful...unfaithful. He didn't like the word. It knocked around in his head for a month or two, until he managed to cram it into a dark corner of his mind and shut it up. His wife had ended their marriage. Therefore, he was free to act as he would if he were not married. It wasn't adultery. It wasn't.

 
 

James...Oh James. Up until this point in your life, you were shaping up to be a brilliant hero. And then this? I had a very hard time forgiving him for his unfaithfulness, especially as he seemed so...at ease with it, especially when telling Theo. He didn't even sound remorseful or sorry. Not one bit. Personally, I don't think he groveled enough in the end; if I was Theo, I would not have let him come back until he had properly redeemed himself.

 

4 STARS! Overall: With the exception of a few areas here and there, and James' one big flaw, I truly did love this book. It reminded me why I love Eloisa James' books, and why I love historicals. I think my favorite parts of the books happened before they separated, even though they were both so young, so immature in many ways. But I also enjoyed watching James mature, though I wish he could have done so without breaking Theo's heart. Ah well, love is not perfect, nor is life. I highly suggest this book, and I will be picking up the others in this series; I'm not sure why I haven't before now.
 
 
 
 
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I received this book in my Avon Addicts package, in exchange for my honest review.


 
 
*NOTE* The quotes used in this review are the property of Eloisa James. TBQ's Book Palace does not claim them in any way.
 
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Enjoy!



Until Next Time,
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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

2 comments :

Amy Valentini said...

This is why I say that there is a book for everyone, the reader just has to find it. I have been a fan of Eloisa's for some long time but just didn't enjoy this one but I know there are those who do. Glad you did, Danielle! Merry Christmas my dear friend. Hope everyone is well and happy. xoxo

The_Book_Queen said...

Love that, Amy, and I totally agree. Perhaps I'm just too easy when it comes to authors whose books I've loved before? *shrugs* Who knows. I will admit that this one had flaws for me, but I still enjoyed it, perhaps more so during some scenes than others.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday! :)
Enjoy!
TBQ