Desperate Duchesses Reviews

• Part One of Four books??!?!?

  
  By ACLZYGKXQD15K on 2007-05-30
  As the reviewer before me just stated, it's clear that this is not meant to be a stand-alone book. There are several plots going on at one time and (of course) not all of them are wrapped up neatly by the end of the novel.
  
  I have to admit, though, that I didn't enjoy it that much for that very reason. Perhaps if I had stumbled upon this series a few years down the line -- after all 4 books were complete -- I would have devoured this book and the sequels in quick succession. As it stands, I feel like I've been given a novel and told I'm only allowed to read the first quarter and I have to wait to have the rest parceled out over the course of another year. That wouldn't be too bad, except James attempts to sell this book also as a stand-alone & that's where it all goes wrong. There are some great characters in this book that are sketched very well -- and I know I'm going to enjoy watching them evolve over the course of the rest of the series. However, the main heroine and hero are not two of them. And that's the pity. In fact, as I type this, I'm having difficulty remembering their names -- even though I remember the names of Elijah, Jemma, and Villiers. I can't even remember the name of the heroine, and I just finished this book last night!!
  
  In short: There is so much time invested in exploring the side characters and setting them up for their own books that the main characters pale in comparison. It's similar to what happened with Esme's character in the "Duchess" series and what happend with Imogen's character in the "Essex sisters" series. The difference, though, is that I liked the main characters in the other series -- in this one, I found the main romance to be quite yawn-worthy. I didn't like the heroine that much and found the hero to be almost invisible.
  
  There were so many things I would have liked to have known about the hero that wasn't explored at all -- just casually thrown into a conversation between other protaganists. I wasn't able to get into his head like we've been able to do in the past with characters that Eloisa written about. And it seemed rather odd to me that, at the end, we're just told how rich, smart, and successful he is -- even though the whole book built him up to be completely useless. If he was all that, I would have thought the heroine should have figured it out, instead of having someone else just TELL her at the end. Or, at the very least, we should have had some scenes with the hero, so WE -- as readers -- knew what he was all about. It all seemed very abrupt and rushed to me.
  
  There should have been more time spent on the h/h so we could actually enjoy the novel as a stand-alone. They were constantly put in the back-seat in favor of the secondary characters. Which is fine if you're reading the whole set of books in a row just for those characters (like Jemma/Elijah). I remember doing that with the "Duchess" series. I devoured all the books because I wanted to know what happened to Esme/Sebastian. However, now that I have to wait months and month between books, I feel like I was cheated in this book. This book should have focused more on the h/h featured in this novel -- and it just didn't.
  
  All in all, I'll give it 3 stars for now. Maybe the rating will go up once I've read the rest of the series. That'll take about two years, if it follows Avon's usual publication schedule.
  
  

• Brilliant Beginning

  
  By A3FG0FQHNV2UP2 on 2007-06-04
  I will agree with those reviewers that feel the ending was a bit rushed, but I still give the book five stars. Needing a HEA is an unfortunate requirement of the genre. This is the rare book that I would have been perfectly happy had the main storylines remained knotted until the next installment. The characters are so true, so identifiable, when Miss T thinks to herself "the duchess doesn't understand him." you feel her setting herself up for a terrible fall. Unless she isn't. The beauty of the book is also in the open feel - anything is possible. With several storylines going on at once, the possiblities aren't confined to one road. The heroine, who doesn't care for children at all, isn't required to change. She can still find children appalling while coming to appreciate the child now in her life. The Georgian period is a welcome relief from the tedium of Regency convention, it's almost shocking to think "Can she do that? How is that possible?" until you recall the change in setting. The real star of this book is the realism in the human interaction. The frustrated daughter, the angry wife - all of them alive on the page and not stuck in narrow paths. I consider this a must read of the year.
  
  

• cannot believe the reviews!

  
  By A2INGL9J1560VQ on 2007-06-08
  I purchased this book as soon as it came out, I've been a big fan of Eloisa James since Midnight Pleasures and was eager to read her new book. I was extremely disappointed after reading Desperate Duchesses, really disappointed.
  
  I felt that the characters were shallow, completely unsympathetic and didn't do anything to make me feel inclined towards wanting to turn the next page and read a bit more about them. It's like, Ms. James completely bypassed characterization and ignored giving the players depth. I surprised myself when towards the end I felt more sympathy towards the Duke of Villiers than ANY of the rest of the characters.
  
  I think I know exactly what's going to happen, the Duke of Villiers will end up married to the other Duchess who asked for Jemma's help in avenging her husband. And :: gasp :: Jemma (who by the way, was pretty much painted as an immoral hussy) will get back together with her husband.
  
  Seriously???
  
  A little surprise next time. PLEASE.
  
  

• Surprised and Sadly...Disappointed

  
  By A3SHGW1CFQBH1U on 2007-06-21
  I am very surprised any romance reader liked this disjointed story that never truly delved too far into any one character and in NO WAY is this the "read of the year!". The main female character was overshadowed by the other female character, the Duchess of Beaumont. Let me tell you, it was easy to overshadow her, since the main character was a shallow and uninteresting character that I was NOT endeared by...annoyed maybe, but NOT endeared to. To be truthful, I couldn't stand her! I really enjoyed James' other novels and I eagerly grabbed this one, only to be VERY DISAPPOINTED and not happy I wasted $6.99 on it. I would have gladly returned it and not thought a second more about it (darn copyright laws). Through the whole story, you have to really make sure you follow other minor characters interactions and try to become excited about their individual plight's (by minor, I mean BORING)...I don't know...I like a TWO character story, not a seven character story without depth and this is WHAT THIS book was. I am trying to be specific, but I really became bored with the mediocre characters and didn't find any part of the story intriguing enough to mention specifics here...it was just HORRIBLE! So disappointed in James and I hope her next novel is NOT ABOUT the Beaumont's...PLEASE, PLEASE...move on!
  
  

• Desperate Duchesses

  
  By A314ATEXAXIMYD on 2007-06-07
  I agree with "bookworm"- Damon's character needed so-o-o much more in-depth detail. Also this was so off the typical historical society's behavior that I found it a little more than unbelievable- Politically ambitious Elijah putting up with Jemma, her brother and illegitimate son, and Jemma's reputation and antics? Jemma behaving the way she was before producing an heir and a spare? Jemma so quickly accepting a distant ridiculed no-body relative, Lady Roberta into her home and promoting her? Not.
  
  And then there's Lady Roberta not wanting to be publicly humiliated again, yet goes after a rakehell obsessed with Chess and not even trying to take an interest it? And her totally distainful behavior toward Teddy yet claiming she wanted children. And since it's called "Desperate Duchesses" shouldn't she have ended up married to a Duke not an Earl?
  
  The only reason I gave it 3 stars was because of the unique ending describing the baby. That was so-o-o great! I could just picture it.
  
  Recommend Sabrina Jeffries, Sara Bennet, Sari Robins, Lisa Valdez (HOT!), & Sylvia Day instead.
  
  
• A major disappointment
  By A3SBV6HEQCB4QR on 2007-06-19
  Having read many earlier books by this author, I was expecting a witty and captivating story, but that's NOT what I got. Our main heroine was rather silly; we're told she's very intelligent, which makes her mindless determination to marry a cad like Villiers totally incomprehensible. I liked the use of chess as a sub-plot, but the rest of the book was just a major disappointment from an author who can do so much better.
  
  
• Dissapointing start to new series.
  By A3D1RYGOR76013 on 2007-06-20
  I can't believe I just typed the title for the review as such. I've read several of Eloisa James' books, and I have never been dissapointed before. I agree with the other reviewers who commented that there was too much happening in this book that is setting up future books - it convolutes and detracts from the plot in this novel.
  
  I did like Roberta and Damon, and unlike one other reviewer, I can see her attraction to Villiers was developed enough from her past history with her dramatic father.
  
  Given that it took several chapters for the book to grab me, and that I felt obligated to finish it, it does not come out a winner for me. I hope that the rest of the series can turn out better with the substantial background information from the first book.
  
  
• This one just doesn't have it...
  By A2GXFS323T0XI5 on 2007-06-22
  I must say that I love Ms. James books. I always enjoy how one storyline carries on throughout the books of the series and is resolved in the end. I was so excited when this book came out, but reading it was a total chore. I am not an uneducated person, but the language of the book was not easy to read. It took far too much concentration, and trying to figure out if Jemma wants her husband or Villers took too much out of me...and they are not even the main characters of the book! I must say I loved the father in this, as well as the other characters...I am curious to see who Villers falls for down the road. Hopefully the rest of the books will be up to Ms. James usual standards!
  
  
• Nope
  By A2DXEH1FQK9F7Q on 2007-06-20
  For the first 3-4 chapters I was really confused. The battle between Jemma and her husband became ridiculous. They never actually solved that one. I loved the hero, the heroine was an idiot. The father was hilarious. I couldn't give it more than 2 stars because the story was too convoluted. Not what I expected from Ms. James.
  
  
• Highly Uneventful
  By A3M0IGG6NGMQXP on 2007-07-06
  Eloisa James is usually one of my favorite authors, consequently I might have been expecting to much of this book. I found the book totally beneath my expectations and was dismayed to find myself not even wanting to finish the book. I think Eloisa James is a wonderful author however, this book is not my cup of tea and I would not recommend it to anyone else. I would however suggest any of her other books to read.
  
  
• Unfocused Author
  By A3S1JQKD703JKQ on 2007-06-09
  This book was silly, the main characters, Damon and Roberta, occupied only about 1/3 of the book, with most of the story being about the Duke and Duchess of Beaumont. There is no reason to believe that Damon and Roberta have anything past a superficial attraction to each other. Too much going on, and not enough focus on the main couple. They were a subplot pretending to be the main plot.
  
  
• blah, blah, blah
  By A2Q27HB5NQ5LDW on 2007-07-21
  I love all Ms. James books so didn't think twice about buying this one. But what the heck happened when I found myself forcing myself to sit down and pick it up again for the 9 to 10th time. Usually I can't put her books down! I finally gave up on page 159 and read the last chapter. I doubt I'll buy anymore of the series until I read reviews here. Right now I feel "gun shy" about picking up another new book out there and probably will resort to my keeper shelf. It's hard to find good romance out there anymore.
  
  
• terrific Georgian romance
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2007-06-04
  Having a father known by the Ton as the "Mad Marquess" is not a strong enabler of acceptance by the ton; in fact it is a detractor. Residing at the family country estate in the middle of nowhere makes acceptance utterly impossible. Lady Roberta St. Giles knows that if she is to make a proper match, she must leave the shelter of her home and also leave her father to his poetry in order to begin attending galas especially now that she has selected her future spouse even if the Duke of Villiers remains ignorant of her choice.
  
  The Duchess of Beaumont Jemma has just returned from some French mischief so agrees to help a friend destroy the rogue Villiers for hurting her. She thinks the naïve country mouse Roberta would be a perfect foil to ruin the rakish Villiers so she invites her to a party at her home. However, Jemma failed to account for her brother Damon Reeve, who will not allow Villiers to hurt the innocent pawn Roberta. As he ponders his altruism, Damon realizes part of the reason he wants to keep Jemma from getting hurt is that he loves her and believes she reciprocates although she insists Villiers is her true love.
  
  This terrific Georgian romance is a comedy of errors that showcases the brilliantly creative talent of Eloisa James as she uses a ton of the Ton to tell a delightful historical tale. The fast-paced story line is very humorous as Jemma sets up the game with the precision of a grandmaster and never slows down until the final checkmate occurs. The cast is three dimensional and not just the prime players as Ms. James uses aristocratic pawns to enhance an entertaining eighteenth century romance.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• Very fresh in historical romance--AWESOME once you get used to it!
  By ATNK68376PWV3 on 2007-06-17
  As a fan who has followed Eloisa James since her first historical romance novel, I have to agree that this novel does NOT fit in the excellent "formula" she has established for her previous books. Once you come to realize that, you also realize that this new take is BETTER! Anything can happen with these characters--the reader doesn't even know who the heroine will marry until at least halfway through the novel, and how many romance novels can you say that about? 1780s England is incredibly refreshing and scandalous! It's wonderful to experience panniers after so many high-waisted dresses. I also enjoyed that the heroine had a pretty typical view of children for her time, and it didn't make her any less likeable. My only gripe is that I now feel very invested in Jemma and her husband, yet I have a feeling that their story won't be wrapped until the end of the series.
  
  Bottom line: give it a chance, and don't expect a Regency or formulaic novel!
  
  
• RUSHED ENDING, NO CLOSURE
  By A3PL3NNWKQMK8Q on 2007-06-28
  I agree with some of the other readers, the heroine was kind of an idiot. Or obviously very confused. The ending was very rushed which is extremely disappointing. Was Jemma excited that Roberta would be her sister in law? I think the sword fight was far fetched. Why wasn't there more characterization around that? The author wrote this too quickly and clumsily.
  
  
• disappointed
  By AT13L0LBH8LSM on 2007-06-29
  I am disappointed. after the 'much ado...' series this is a let down. I am a lover of secondary characters, however too many people with too many problems, have weighed down whatever this was suppose to be about. I hope book two will be better. I wont buy it retail, I will go to a book trader.
  
  
• Controlled Chaos...A Light, Frothy Read
  By A3SK7MHGT6SJ93 on 2007-08-21
  I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Yes, it was a bit chaotic and confusing with all the minor character plots. And yes, I agree there was not a lot of substance to the two main characters, especially the hero (truth be told, from the way the book started out, I had no idea he was going to turn out to be the hero of the story). But it was extremely well written in terms of how she handled the dialogue, especially during the chess and domino games. I found the non-Regency setting a refreshing change of pace (this coming from a huge Regency fan like myself!) and loved the fact that many of the characters were messy, imperfect people with loose ends that weren't tied up by the end of the book. And boy can this lady write some great sex scenes!
  
  I suspect James was mimicking the pace and tone of famous 18th century novels, plays, and operas (Tom Jones comes to mind as do some of Sheridan's plays and Mozart's operas)--all of which are known for featuring bawdy interludes and frequent secondary character side trips before circling back to the main plotline. I think she succeeded nicely in capturing the essence of that particular period in all its energy, earthiness, and color.
  
  My only complaint is I think James is almost too creative for the formulaic historical romance genre. I'd love to see her break out into something meatier--a historical novel with good doses of romance a la Diana Gabaldon, perhaps?--and really let herself go. In the mean time, I look forward to reading her other books and seeing how this series evolves.
  
  
  
• I was more into Jemma and Elijah than the main two characters
  By AX0DI9QD354G8 on 2007-09-06
  I honestly can say that I really didn't really care for Damon and Roberta. They barely got that many scenes in the book because there were so many characters that they were really over looked. I also was way more interest at what was happening between Jemma and her husband Elijah. I really can't wait for those two to have their own book and see how they get back together. I'm really going to get mad if Jemma and Elijah don't end up together.I hope that the author really doesn't kill Elijah off because I really want him and his wife to work things out.
  
  
  
• Nicely Complicated Characters
  By A2N8NT8V1065ZH on 2007-09-14
  I loved this story and it did not bother me that some plot lines were left hanging. For me, that added to the complexity and appeal of the overall novel. The multiple characters, their conflicts and the odd way they were involved in each others' lives, all this was quite interesting and cleverly protrayed I thought. There was some surprise, tension, eroticism, and the ending was delightful as the hero's mask comes off for us. Her writing is very well done and I especially appreciate flawed characters who are also consistent, but maybe, learning a thing or two.
  
  
• Couldn't Be Better
  By A3RJPU2EQ31T4V on 2007-06-04
  I think this is Ms. James' best work since "Much Ado About You." The writing is exquisite. I adored the main characters (what a perfect hero for a romantic "farce"). The chemistry between Roberta and her "love interest(s)" is a delight, and her eccentric father is a joy. Unlike certian other reviewers, I was intrigued by the subplots and can't wait for the "secondary" characters to have their day. Definitely a keeper -- I'm so glad I bought this book.
  
  
• Awaiting next installments!
  By A2K1A96U617B4Z on 2007-06-17
  This was a very interesting novel. Like reviewers have commented, the Georgian time period is a refreshing change. I must say I enjoyed reading about the different fashions (like the hoops skirts, and the powdered hair etc).
  
  While I see the point of detractors that the characters and storylines are a bit loosely done, I think it is setting us up for great sequels. Think about it- how many books have we read where we KNEW that this Lady such-and-such was going to be the intended for whichever Lord. (Usually at the end/beginning of the novel , the said Lord/Lady would be muttering that THEY won't be legshackled, only to have the next scene introduce the one to change their mind)
  
  At this point , we don't know whether the Beaumonts will fall in love with each other, or whether the Duke will find solace with Ms. T (sorry can't remember her name!) . In many novels, we are told by the author that hte hero/heroine was treated abominably by the object of their desire, in order for us to feel sympathy. I actually feel sympathy for them both, and I am looking forward to the direction the author takes,
  
  I gave 4 stars more for the anticipation for more to come. Also, I do believe that the relationship between Roberta and Damon could have been written better. I suppose the author had a word limit.
  
  
  I still do not understand what possessed Roberta to fancy herself wanting to marry Villiers STILL, even after she was getting increasingly intimate with Damon. Ah well.
  
  All in all a great read!
  
  
  
• Desperate Duchesses was a delightful romp
  By A1QQSO5IM54YZE on 2007-07-10
  I can't express how much I enjoyed this novel. Other reviewers have discussed plotlines and characters, so I'm not going to dwell on those here. What I will say is I found the time period to be fresh and interesting. The dialogue was delicious and enticing (as only Eloisa James does it). The side plots were fantastic and kept the book moving at a quick pace. I loved learning more about a time period that I'm not that familiar with and hope that other Regency authors consider expanding their horizons into Georgian as well. It is fascinating how saucy and scandalous this time period was compared to what came next. I hightly recommend to this to all romance fans, not just Regency lovers. This is another great Eloisa James book and my favorite book this year.
  
  
• Very different. The end grabbed me.
  By A8BDTFM8BLZYB on 2007-07-10
  The other reviewers had some valid points but I was wishing for the next book by the time I put it down. I had to read the first chapter twice because I had a hard time getting into it. It was a more complicated plot than most romance novels. The characters were not unidimensional which I found refreshing. The Heroine was annoying at times but it was more realistic because of it. James set up some really interesting characters and I look forward to the upcoming books in the series.
  
  
• Desperate Duchesses
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2007-07-13
  Lady Roberta St. Giles wants a husband and her father isn't helping matters any. Known as the Mad Marquess, her father's unusual poetry and unusual lifestyle has scared away any suitors that may have been interested in the lovely Lady Roberta. It is clear Lady Roberta will have to take matters in her own hands.
  
  After spying the beautifully proper Duke of Villiers at a ball, Lady Roberta heads to London on a mission to become the next Duchess of Villiers. With the help from a very distant relative, the Duchess of Beaumont, Lady Roberta captures the eye of not only the Duke of Villiers but of the Duchesses brother, the Earl of Gryffyn.
  
  Eloisa James writes such smart and witty romances that I can't help but adore them. And I do adore Desperate Duchesses. I was quite desperate myself for Roberta to pick the man I was crazy in love with and my heart would have been broken if she hadn't.
  
  With a story that will just suck you right in, Desperate Duchesses has secondary characters that will leave you begging for the next in this series. I am, well, desperate for more Desperate Duchesses!
  
  Annmarie
  Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  
  
  
• Too many characters?
  By A23OEXX9JTOJZY on 2007-08-01
  I loved this book! I love that she has wee side stories going on, as with Jenna and Elijah. Following Esme and Sabastian was the main reason I bought the last series; although I enjoyed the stories for themselves as well. As for Roberta and Damon, I liked them both very much. Damon, especially, had endearing and um...other qualities I enjoyed.I found the end not rushed,but with a twist I didn't expect. I do hope the next story, who seems to be about characters BRIEFLY mentioned, will be as good as this one.And not to throw off on other reveiwers, but come on ladies! If remembering characters is too much for you, perhaps other romance writers would be a better choice. I like some substance along with the romance.
  
  
• Skip this and read the next book in the series
  By A2X2WTEVCZ5L8N on 2008-01-09
  I am normally a fan of Eloisa James but this book was a big disappointment. If I had read this one first, I might not have read the next one, "An Affair Before Christmas," which I really loved.
  
  I give Ms. James lots of credit for trying to write romance novels that don't follow the traditional path. But the one thing a romance needs is characters you like and want to live happily ever after. That was a big problem with this book. I didn't like most of the characters.
  
  As intended, the Duke of Villiers is unlikeable. That's only fair as he is not the hero and we don't want Roberta to end up with him. But it is a problem when the most likeable male character in the book is Roberta's father, the Mad Marquess. (And with him the reader has to put up with bad poetry.)
  
  The female characters don't fare any better. Roberta, the heroine of this book, is a twit. She decides she wants to marry Villiers because he is rude to her and wearing elegant clothes. (Actually she wants a husband as unlike her father as possible and somehow she thinks Villiers does the trick.) And she persists in her intention to marry him well into the book, even when she doesn't particularly like him. In a departure from the typical romance heroine, Roberta's main concern when Villiers tells her he wants a sophisticated (i.e. open) marriage is that she doesn't have enough sexual experience. So she decides to get that experience with Damon, the hero. Not my idea of romance. I couldn't get excited about whether such an idiotic character would find true love. For all I cared, she could have married Villiers and been as unhappily married as her hosts.
  
  The other main couple in the book, the Duke & Duchess Beaumont -- Elijah and Jemma -- are also unlikeable people. Both have had affairs and are simply tolerating each other so they can make an heir. I'm guessing they will be the main subjects of a future book, but I already dislike them so much it will be interesting to see how Ms. James redeems them.
  
  Perhaps this unromantic approach to marriage is historically realistic, but I don't read romance novels for reality. I want my romance novels to be romantic!
  
  
• Enchanting - Anxious for Next in Series - 4-1/2*
  By A3B48AN8JID1JK on 2007-11-30
  Lady Roberta St. Giles, the only daughter of the Mad Marquess of Wharton, is at to the end of her wits. Knowing that at one and twenty her only option to snag a husband is to get out of the country and away from her embarrassing poetry spouting papa and his recent paramour Mrs. Grope. Arriving in London at the door of Jemma, the Duchess of Beaumont (a rather distant cousin) Roberta requested her help in securing an appropriate husband - one she'd fell in love with at first glance, the Duke of Villiers, both a notorious womanizer and keen chess player.
  
  The duchess' brother, Damon Reeve the Earl of Gryffon, was enchanted by Roberta and more than willing to tutor her in seducing her duke. As Roberta became an apt pupil in the art of seduction, Damon knew the cynical chess-mad Duke of Villiers was totally wrong for her and realized he couldn't possibly let Roberta seduce anyone and set out to seduce her for himself.
  
  *** James introduced so many vibrant characters into this story that at first, I wasn't quite sure who the lead characters were. However, James created them all with so much charm, depth and interest, I wasn't at all disappointed, and determined that this series opener of the DESPERATE DUCHESSES would find consecutive books with characters that would continually end up being interwoven throughout the series.
  
  Roberta was cast as a very intelligent and determined young woman, who having grown up with the very unconventional poet labeled as the "Mad Marquess" who lived openly with his mistresses thought herself well versed in ways of the world. But at best, her education in pleasure was definitely lacking until the very handsome Earl of Gryffon began her lessons of pleasure not only to please her but himself, as Roberta had eyes for no one but Villiers as her future husband. The author captured Damon beautifully. Being titled, wealthy and wickedly handsome, the author showed him to be quite taken aback, by Roberta's initial lack of interest.
  
  The triangle storyline and chess matches between Jemma, the extremely vivacious and sometimes outrageous Duchess of Beaumont, her husband Elijah, and the Duke of Villiers were extremely interesting and engrossing. It certainly left this reviewer extremely anxious waiting for James' next installment to determine if age and time allows for the mellowing out of Jemma's rage and hurt over discovering her husband's infidelity eight years prior. It also leaves the mystery of whatever happened to destroy the once fast childhood friendship that once existed between Elijah and Villiers.
  
  With inspired witty dialogs, beautifully crafted characters (including Teddy, the precocious and adorable illegitimate son of Damon) this reader found herself enchanted with this engrossing opener in the Desperate Duchesses series and advises lovers of Georgian Romances to enjoy the revelry and sensual games James created in 18th century England!
  
  Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
  
  
  
• I think the character were closer to what real people were like back then - and maybe that is what made the story only 3 stars..
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2007-07-17
  There are a few storylines in the this novel with a wife who loves her husband but is angry he had an affair, a ugly duckling who turns into swan and has two man wanted her. The men in this novel are all lost and some find love and happiness but others stay lost. The style of writing is different but I will read her next novel coming out November 15,2007, Affair Before Christmas.
  
  If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies by Samantha Saxon, Spirited Away by Cindy Miles and Secrets of a Duchess by Kaitlin O'Riley.
  
  
  
• Desperately silly
  By A2VWE5SGNDS8HW on 2007-09-24
  This book is an embarrassment to women. If you take all the female characters and combine them into one you still don't come up with an average-sized brain (never mind character, maturity, or simple common sense).
  
  From the first few unlikely and irrational pages this seemed like a bad Junior High School play in which too many characters with little to contribute had been written in so the whole class could have a speaking part. (By high school, you'd expect more mature characters!) Under these circumstances, while everybody spoke, no one had anything of any importance to say. It was a completely chaotic one-dimensional farce. We are, apparently, supposed to find the antics and dialogues humorous and entertaining but "ridiculous", "spoiled", and "downright stupid" are much closer to the mark.
  
  I can't remember a more irritating book, more exagerated stereotypes and characterizations, sillier dialogue, or more frantic pacing (every scene was short, choppy, and sloppily transitioned). Did anybody proofread this?
  
  You never got into anyone's mind (assuming they had one) or into their hearts (presumably, the function of romantic fiction). You were too distracted by all the confusion caused by whatever nonsensical scene was exploding at the time. I have never come across a group of people with less charm, or warmth, or sense of purpose than this crew, about whom further books will, apparently, be written.
  
  The author's biographical blurb states that she writes in her sleep because she is so overwhelmed by her children and pets. I thought she was joking but, apparently, that was the one serious comment in the whole book.
  
  
• Complete waste of money
  By A2U2IWULOGF2BV on 2007-11-21
  This was one of the worst books I have read so far. In fact I only got a quarter of the way through it before I decided to stop forcing myself to read it. Maybe it's because I also hated Shakespeare of which the author is a professor. Anyway, I would not recommend this book to anyone. Don't waste your money on it.
  
  

• Sins of a Duke
• Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3)
• An Affair Before Christmas
• The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
• Never Lie to a Lady