What do you think?
Rate this book
Greycourt #1
Not the Duke's Darling
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt brings us the first book in her sexy and sensual Greycourt Series!
Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe, the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family, appears at the country house party she's attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.
Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading amongst the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins—sins he'd much rather forget. But she's also fiery, bold, and sensuous—a temptation he can't resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he'll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, Harlowe will have to earn Freya's trust-by whatever means necessary.
Features a bonus novella from New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes!
Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe, the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family, appears at the country house party she's attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.
Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading amongst the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins—sins he'd much rather forget. But she's also fiery, bold, and sensuous—a temptation he can't resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he'll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, Harlowe will have to earn Freya's trust-by whatever means necessary.
Features a bonus novella from New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes!
496 pages, ebook
First published December 18, 2018
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
37 books6,993 followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 559 reviews
December 12, 2018
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
First in the new Greycourt series, Hoyt starts us off with a spot of danger as our heroine, Freya, is on the run from some men and finds herself face to face with her childhood crush, Christopher, but who she also blames for her brother's downfall. There's some background foundation to the hows and whys of where our characters are at in life. The main thread is Freya's brother, Ran, tried to elope with Julian Greycourt's sister, she ended up dying (we aren't given specifics), and Christopher just stood by while Ran was beaten bad enough he ended up losing his right hand. Ran, Julian, and Christopher were bestfriends but this fractured their bond and they all separated, the other members of the family cut ties all with each other also.
The Wise Women had long been hunted by Dunkelders— nasty, superstitious fanatics who knew about the Wise Women and believed they were witches who should be burned.
While the ill fated elopement gave us the underlining emotional tones, the Wise Women that Freya is the Macha (spy) for, gives us the suspense as she is trying to stop a law in the House of Lords that gives free reign to declaring women witches along with her trying to hide from members of the Dunkelders, men who hunt “witches”. These are the two main plot threads but there are numerous other ones, some slight and others weighty, that at times only clog an already full story. Christopher has PTSD induced anxiety from his time in India, we get povs from an old friend of Freya's, Messalina Greycourt, who's storyline looks to be set-up for the next in the series, an imprisoned wife, and a whole slew of secondary characters that get little mini-plots of their own. I like full stories but none of these threads or plots were fully fleshed out and it left a lot feeling shallow and dull.
This, this was what he’d been missing without even realizing it: genuine conversation. Genuine feeling.
The romance and chemistry between Christopher and Freya was severely lacking for me; I had more fond feelings for the relationship between him and his dog. Hoyt has been a favorite with word play, sexual and taunting, but these two never sparked; it felt like he just found her attractive out of nowhere, while she relied on childhood feelings and the color of his pretty blue eyes. While their bedroom scenes didn't start ridiculously early, besides kissing once or twice, when they do start to get hot and heavy, Freya's first move is to give him a blowjob, because of course. The latter second half brought more sexual scenes but I almost found myself skimming them as their emotional connection wasn't there.
He might be a duke now, but she was a de Moray woman , small, swift, and above all ruthless.
My biggest disappoint and what frustrated me the most was that Hoyt introduced these interesting ideas, plots, or instances but they all happen off script. The intense ill fated elopement? Happens before this story takes place, no prologue to introduce, show, and explain the basis for the whole the series. Christopher's time in India? No flash back scenes to help immerse the reader into the emotional turmoil of his PTSD or his relationship with is first wife. Freya spending time with the Wise Women? It takes an absurd amount of time for the reader to even get a full explanation of who and what the Wise Women are, let alone the author writing and showing scenes of Freya interacting with the women. This could have been a great emotional fulfillment moment of showing women taking care of one another, bucking the system in a way they could, and female bonding while providing a solid and understandable reason for why this group was so important to Freya and why she might shy away from marrying Christopher.
I missed Hoyt's normally atmospheric writing, I did not feel the time period at all, and the sexual heat between the leads that she has a knack for expressing. This honestly felt kind of generic and with dukes popping up everywhere, I'm not sure I could pick this book out of a lineup. The second book is set-up here and with two leads that at least seem like they have some spark, I will give it a try but am hoping for more showing than telling and emotion.
***************************************************
*Whimpers*
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
First in the new Greycourt series, Hoyt starts us off with a spot of danger as our heroine, Freya, is on the run from some men and finds herself face to face with her childhood crush, Christopher, but who she also blames for her brother's downfall. There's some background foundation to the hows and whys of where our characters are at in life. The main thread is Freya's brother, Ran, tried to elope with Julian Greycourt's sister, she ended up dying (we aren't given specifics), and Christopher just stood by while Ran was beaten bad enough he ended up losing his right hand. Ran, Julian, and Christopher were bestfriends but this fractured their bond and they all separated, the other members of the family cut ties all with each other also.
The Wise Women had long been hunted by Dunkelders— nasty, superstitious fanatics who knew about the Wise Women and believed they were witches who should be burned.
While the ill fated elopement gave us the underlining emotional tones, the Wise Women that Freya is the Macha (spy) for, gives us the suspense as she is trying to stop a law in the House of Lords that gives free reign to declaring women witches along with her trying to hide from members of the Dunkelders, men who hunt “witches”. These are the two main plot threads but there are numerous other ones, some slight and others weighty, that at times only clog an already full story. Christopher has PTSD induced anxiety from his time in India, we get povs from an old friend of Freya's, Messalina Greycourt, who's storyline looks to be set-up for the next in the series, an imprisoned wife, and a whole slew of secondary characters that get little mini-plots of their own. I like full stories but none of these threads or plots were fully fleshed out and it left a lot feeling shallow and dull.
This, this was what he’d been missing without even realizing it: genuine conversation. Genuine feeling.
The romance and chemistry between Christopher and Freya was severely lacking for me; I had more fond feelings for the relationship between him and his dog. Hoyt has been a favorite with word play, sexual and taunting, but these two never sparked; it felt like he just found her attractive out of nowhere, while she relied on childhood feelings and the color of his pretty blue eyes. While their bedroom scenes didn't start ridiculously early, besides kissing once or twice, when they do start to get hot and heavy, Freya's first move is to give him a blowjob, because of course. The latter second half brought more sexual scenes but I almost found myself skimming them as their emotional connection wasn't there.
He might be a duke now, but she was a de Moray woman , small, swift, and above all ruthless.
My biggest disappoint and what frustrated me the most was that Hoyt introduced these interesting ideas, plots, or instances but they all happen off script. The intense ill fated elopement? Happens before this story takes place, no prologue to introduce, show, and explain the basis for the whole the series. Christopher's time in India? No flash back scenes to help immerse the reader into the emotional turmoil of his PTSD or his relationship with is first wife. Freya spending time with the Wise Women? It takes an absurd amount of time for the reader to even get a full explanation of who and what the Wise Women are, let alone the author writing and showing scenes of Freya interacting with the women. This could have been a great emotional fulfillment moment of showing women taking care of one another, bucking the system in a way they could, and female bonding while providing a solid and understandable reason for why this group was so important to Freya and why she might shy away from marrying Christopher.
I missed Hoyt's normally atmospheric writing, I did not feel the time period at all, and the sexual heat between the leads that she has a knack for expressing. This honestly felt kind of generic and with dukes popping up everywhere, I'm not sure I could pick this book out of a lineup. The second book is set-up here and with two leads that at least seem like they have some spark, I will give it a try but am hoping for more showing than telling and emotion.
***************************************************
*Whimpers*
February 24, 2019
I've given this a C at AAR (which I think was probably over-generous).
Hard as it is for readers when a favourite, long-running series ends, it must be equally so for the author who has lived with those characters and scenarios for years – and who then has to follow up that success with something new that will continue to please fans of the previous books as well as, hopefully, gain them new ones. Having closed the book on the hugely popular Maiden Lane series last year, much-loved author Elizabeth Hoyt now faces that particular challenge, and presents the first book in a new Georgian era series about the Greycourt family and their immediate circle – Not the Duke’s Darling.
If you’ve looked at the advance reviews on Goodreads, you’ll have seen a plethora of four and five star reviews for the book, so I’m afraid I’m going to be a dissenting voice. Not the Duke’s Darling was Difficult to Get Through. It took me twice as long as it would normally have taken me to read a book of this length, mostly because I was able to put it down easily and wasn’t engaged enough to want to pick it up again. There were a variety of reasons for this, not least of which are that the book is disjointed, episodic and overstuffed with plot, the heroine is hard to like, and the romance is woefully underdeveloped.
The Greycourt series is predicated on a tragedy that occurred some fifteen years earlier which tore apart three families who had previously been very close. The death of sixteen-year-old Aurelia Greycourt, who had been set to elope with eighteen-year-old Ranulf de Moray, eldest son of the Duke of Ayr, had far ranging repercussions which left Ran crippled and near death, and his friend, Christopher Renshaw, hustled away to India and an arranged marriage with a young woman he’d met exactly twice before.
Ran, who inherited the title Duke of Ayr almost immediately after these events, lives as a recluse and his brother Lachlan administers the dukedom. Ran’s sisters – Caitriona, Elspeth and twelve-year-old Freya – were sent to live with their Aunt Hilda in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, where they learned the ways of the ancient secret society of Wise Women, a group dedicated to helping women throughout Britain utilising their centuries-old knowledge of herbs and healing. Once a thriving group of thousands, the witch hunts of the previous centuries have decimated their number and even though these were made illegal by Witchcraft Act of 1735, old beliefs and superstitions continue to run rife, and Wise Women still run the risk of accusations of witchery being levelled against them.
Fifteen years after the death of Aurelia, Freya de Moray has risen through the ranks of the Wise Women to become their Macha – she calls herself their ‘spy’, as it’s her job to keep her ear to the ground to find out what is being said about them and also to find causes for them to interest themselves in. At the beginning of the book, Freya is racing through the streets of East London on her latest mission when she ends up jumping into the carriage of Christopher Renshaw, the man she blames for what happened to Ran and the destruction of her family.
Freya may be the sister of a duke, but she no longer lives as one, having taken a position as companion to Lady Holland and her two daughters while she fulfils her duties as Macha. Freya has learned that support is gaining ground in Parliament for a new Witch Act which would make witch-hunting legal again, and that its main proponent, Lord Randolph, is going to be present at an upcoming house party to which Lady Holland has been invited. Freya has heard that there is some suspicion concerning the recent death of Randolph’s wife and reckons that if she can dig up enough dirt on him, she’ll be able to blackmail him into withdrawing the bill.
Up to this point in the story, we’ve had two points of view; as is common in most romances, we hear from the hero and the heroine. But after we arrive at the house party, a third voice is introduced, that of Messalina Greycourt, Freya’s former best friend. It turns out Messalina is well aware that Freya is now working as a companion, although she has no idea why, and she has decided, so far, not to expose her as the sister of the Duke of Ayr. Messalina and her sister, Lucretia (references to other siblings indicate they’re all named after Roman emperors and empresses) are also attending the house party, and are also intent on finding out exactly what happened to Lady Randolph, who was a dear friend of Messalina’s
In the meantime, Christopher Renshaw, who has returned from India a widower and has become Duke of Harlowe, is intrigued by the drab but surprisingly feisty companion who seems set on crossing swords (both literally and metaphorically) with him at every turn. He has come to the house party in order to confront a blackmailer who is extorting an outrageous sum of money in return for the letters written to him by Christopher’s wife while they lived in India.
So… we’re not even half way into the book and we’ve got Wise Women (and I’m sorry, but whenever I read those words, all I could think of was the “she is the Wise Woman” scene in Blackadder), two lots of blackmail, a mysterious death and a parliamentary plot; the story is being told in three different PoVs… dare I say it’s no wonder the romance is squeezed out to the extent it’s practically non-existent?
Christopher has the makings of a decent hero. Pushed into an arranged marriage when he was just eighteen, he tried to be a good husband and to take care of his young wife, and he blames himself for the circumstances of her death. Given he last saw Freya when she was twelve, it’s not hard to accept that it takes him a while to recognise her, and I appreciated that once he does realise who she is, he doesn’t waste time in telling her the truth – as far as he knows it – of what happened on the night Aurelia died. There’s still a mystery surrounding her death, which I presume will be solved in a future book, but Freya realises that she’s misjudged Christopher all these years and begins to unbend towards him, which allows them to acknowledge and explore the attraction between them. But their relationship is dreadfully underdeveloped, the chemistry between them is notable only by its absence, and the sex scenes, which Ms. Hoyt normally excels at writing, feel forced and hurried.
I had a hard time getting a handle on Freya and began to actively dislike her towards the end of the book, mostly because of the way she treats Christopher. I understand that it can be very difficult to create strong, independent heroines in the context of historical romance because women had so few options and so little agency at the time many of them are set. Unfortunately, however, many authors fall into the trap of trying to show their heroine’s strength and independence by having her running roughshod over the hero and treating him like his feelings don’t matter – and that sort of inequality does not a good romantic relationship make. (For the record – I don’t like it when the situation is reversed, either. A good romance should be about an equality of minds and outlook, not one character getting one over on the other). Freya crossed the line between strong and independent, and insensitive and stupidly pig-headed once too often.
I feel like I haven’t really scratched the surface of Not the Duke’s Darling (another completely nonsensical title that has nothing to do with the story) in this review, but there is so much going on I just can’t fit it all in. I haven’t even mentioned the Dunkelders, for example, men out to capture and wipe out the Wise Women; and the plotline concerning Lady Randolph’s death is resolved in a manner I can only describe as ridiculously melodramatic. Characterisation and relationship building are the major casualties of this train-wreck of a novel, and much as it pains me – as a fan of Ms. Hoyt’s – to say it, I really can’t recommend it.
Hard as it is for readers when a favourite, long-running series ends, it must be equally so for the author who has lived with those characters and scenarios for years – and who then has to follow up that success with something new that will continue to please fans of the previous books as well as, hopefully, gain them new ones. Having closed the book on the hugely popular Maiden Lane series last year, much-loved author Elizabeth Hoyt now faces that particular challenge, and presents the first book in a new Georgian era series about the Greycourt family and their immediate circle – Not the Duke’s Darling.
If you’ve looked at the advance reviews on Goodreads, you’ll have seen a plethora of four and five star reviews for the book, so I’m afraid I’m going to be a dissenting voice. Not the Duke’s Darling was Difficult to Get Through. It took me twice as long as it would normally have taken me to read a book of this length, mostly because I was able to put it down easily and wasn’t engaged enough to want to pick it up again. There were a variety of reasons for this, not least of which are that the book is disjointed, episodic and overstuffed with plot, the heroine is hard to like, and the romance is woefully underdeveloped.
The Greycourt series is predicated on a tragedy that occurred some fifteen years earlier which tore apart three families who had previously been very close. The death of sixteen-year-old Aurelia Greycourt, who had been set to elope with eighteen-year-old Ranulf de Moray, eldest son of the Duke of Ayr, had far ranging repercussions which left Ran crippled and near death, and his friend, Christopher Renshaw, hustled away to India and an arranged marriage with a young woman he’d met exactly twice before.
Ran, who inherited the title Duke of Ayr almost immediately after these events, lives as a recluse and his brother Lachlan administers the dukedom. Ran’s sisters – Caitriona, Elspeth and twelve-year-old Freya – were sent to live with their Aunt Hilda in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, where they learned the ways of the ancient secret society of Wise Women, a group dedicated to helping women throughout Britain utilising their centuries-old knowledge of herbs and healing. Once a thriving group of thousands, the witch hunts of the previous centuries have decimated their number and even though these were made illegal by Witchcraft Act of 1735, old beliefs and superstitions continue to run rife, and Wise Women still run the risk of accusations of witchery being levelled against them.
Fifteen years after the death of Aurelia, Freya de Moray has risen through the ranks of the Wise Women to become their Macha – she calls herself their ‘spy’, as it’s her job to keep her ear to the ground to find out what is being said about them and also to find causes for them to interest themselves in. At the beginning of the book, Freya is racing through the streets of East London on her latest mission when she ends up jumping into the carriage of Christopher Renshaw, the man she blames for what happened to Ran and the destruction of her family.
Freya may be the sister of a duke, but she no longer lives as one, having taken a position as companion to Lady Holland and her two daughters while she fulfils her duties as Macha. Freya has learned that support is gaining ground in Parliament for a new Witch Act which would make witch-hunting legal again, and that its main proponent, Lord Randolph, is going to be present at an upcoming house party to which Lady Holland has been invited. Freya has heard that there is some suspicion concerning the recent death of Randolph’s wife and reckons that if she can dig up enough dirt on him, she’ll be able to blackmail him into withdrawing the bill.
Up to this point in the story, we’ve had two points of view; as is common in most romances, we hear from the hero and the heroine. But after we arrive at the house party, a third voice is introduced, that of Messalina Greycourt, Freya’s former best friend. It turns out Messalina is well aware that Freya is now working as a companion, although she has no idea why, and she has decided, so far, not to expose her as the sister of the Duke of Ayr. Messalina and her sister, Lucretia (references to other siblings indicate they’re all named after Roman emperors and empresses) are also attending the house party, and are also intent on finding out exactly what happened to Lady Randolph, who was a dear friend of Messalina’s
In the meantime, Christopher Renshaw, who has returned from India a widower and has become Duke of Harlowe, is intrigued by the drab but surprisingly feisty companion who seems set on crossing swords (both literally and metaphorically) with him at every turn. He has come to the house party in order to confront a blackmailer who is extorting an outrageous sum of money in return for the letters written to him by Christopher’s wife while they lived in India.
So… we’re not even half way into the book and we’ve got Wise Women (and I’m sorry, but whenever I read those words, all I could think of was the “she is the Wise Woman” scene in Blackadder), two lots of blackmail, a mysterious death and a parliamentary plot; the story is being told in three different PoVs… dare I say it’s no wonder the romance is squeezed out to the extent it’s practically non-existent?
Christopher has the makings of a decent hero. Pushed into an arranged marriage when he was just eighteen, he tried to be a good husband and to take care of his young wife, and he blames himself for the circumstances of her death. Given he last saw Freya when she was twelve, it’s not hard to accept that it takes him a while to recognise her, and I appreciated that once he does realise who she is, he doesn’t waste time in telling her the truth – as far as he knows it – of what happened on the night Aurelia died. There’s still a mystery surrounding her death, which I presume will be solved in a future book, but Freya realises that she’s misjudged Christopher all these years and begins to unbend towards him, which allows them to acknowledge and explore the attraction between them. But their relationship is dreadfully underdeveloped, the chemistry between them is notable only by its absence, and the sex scenes, which Ms. Hoyt normally excels at writing, feel forced and hurried.
I had a hard time getting a handle on Freya and began to actively dislike her towards the end of the book, mostly because of the way she treats Christopher. I understand that it can be very difficult to create strong, independent heroines in the context of historical romance because women had so few options and so little agency at the time many of them are set. Unfortunately, however, many authors fall into the trap of trying to show their heroine’s strength and independence by having her running roughshod over the hero and treating him like his feelings don’t matter – and that sort of inequality does not a good romantic relationship make. (For the record – I don’t like it when the situation is reversed, either. A good romance should be about an equality of minds and outlook, not one character getting one over on the other). Freya crossed the line between strong and independent, and insensitive and stupidly pig-headed once too often.
I feel like I haven’t really scratched the surface of Not the Duke’s Darling (another completely nonsensical title that has nothing to do with the story) in this review, but there is so much going on I just can’t fit it all in. I haven’t even mentioned the Dunkelders, for example, men out to capture and wipe out the Wise Women; and the plotline concerning Lady Randolph’s death is resolved in a manner I can only describe as ridiculously melodramatic. Characterisation and relationship building are the major casualties of this train-wreck of a novel, and much as it pains me – as a fan of Ms. Hoyt’s – to say it, I really can’t recommend it.
June 9, 2019
Why hasn't Jilly written a review for several days?
Because I have stalled-out on this book. I can tell how much a book is holding my attention by whether or not I am willing to turn on Netflix at night. So, the last few nights I have been rewatching the Schitt's Creek series. That tells you how much this book captivated me.
IKR? Jilly is a night-reader, not night-watcher.
So why is this book so boring?
It had potential to be exciting. There is a group of women who call themselves Wise Women (which, let's be honest is just a tad presumptuous and pretentious. You never call yourself wise. You wait for other people to do it. Maybe start spouting philosophical terms and wear some smart-person glasses. It will happen naturally that way. Just a tip.). Anyway, these Wise Women are basically ye old feminists who try to help womankind in a time when we were looked at as chattel. And, of course, fragile masculinity and all, there was a group of men who wanted to kill them. They were called witches for having crazy ideas like a woman shouldn't have to give up every cent of her inheritance to her husband the minute she's forced to marry him. That's crazy talk!!
That's right. He wears the pants AND the hat in the relationship. Also, stockings and a jaunty bow around his neck. He's a man, but he knows fashion.
Also, there was a terrible tragedy that started the whole chain of events that included murder, an elopement, a disfigurement, a forced marriage, and a disgraced family. So, there was more than enough to have an exciting story.
So, what was the problem?
None of the things I mentioned were actually shown in the book. It all happened before the story or in the background. All the book has is a VERY slow-moving romance. It wasn't bad exactly, it was just that there were so many interesting things that we never actually got to. Instead we had the usual stuff like dancing and walking in the woods and playing cards at a house party. (And, holy crap am I glad I wasn't alive back then. Talk about boring! No wonder they died so young. It probably felt like they'd lived forever, pissing in ceramic bowls, wearing uncomfortable clothes, eating jinky food, and trying to find a way to beat back the boredom every night by candlelight. Just fucking kill me.)
Needless to say, I got bored. I think that if I hadn't had such expectations then it would have been better. It just had a lot of telling and very little showing.
Because I have stalled-out on this book. I can tell how much a book is holding my attention by whether or not I am willing to turn on Netflix at night. So, the last few nights I have been rewatching the Schitt's Creek series. That tells you how much this book captivated me.
IKR? Jilly is a night-reader, not night-watcher.
So why is this book so boring?
It had potential to be exciting. There is a group of women who call themselves Wise Women (which, let's be honest is just a tad presumptuous and pretentious. You never call yourself wise. You wait for other people to do it. Maybe start spouting philosophical terms and wear some smart-person glasses. It will happen naturally that way. Just a tip.). Anyway, these Wise Women are basically ye old feminists who try to help womankind in a time when we were looked at as chattel. And, of course, fragile masculinity and all, there was a group of men who wanted to kill them. They were called witches for having crazy ideas like a woman shouldn't have to give up every cent of her inheritance to her husband the minute she's forced to marry him. That's crazy talk!!
That's right. He wears the pants AND the hat in the relationship. Also, stockings and a jaunty bow around his neck. He's a man, but he knows fashion.
Also, there was a terrible tragedy that started the whole chain of events that included murder, an elopement, a disfigurement, a forced marriage, and a disgraced family. So, there was more than enough to have an exciting story.
So, what was the problem?
None of the things I mentioned were actually shown in the book. It all happened before the story or in the background. All the book has is a VERY slow-moving romance. It wasn't bad exactly, it was just that there were so many interesting things that we never actually got to. Instead we had the usual stuff like dancing and walking in the woods and playing cards at a house party. (And, holy crap am I glad I wasn't alive back then. Talk about boring! No wonder they died so young. It probably felt like they'd lived forever, pissing in ceramic bowls, wearing uncomfortable clothes, eating jinky food, and trying to find a way to beat back the boredom every night by candlelight. Just fucking kill me.)
Needless to say, I got bored. I think that if I hadn't had such expectations then it would have been better. It just had a lot of telling and very little showing.
December 16, 2018
The majority of books in Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series are my all time favorites so maybe my expectations were too high when I started reading NOT THE DUKE'S DARLING. However, there are several reasons I didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping. And here is why:
The heroine is part of a group called Wise Women. They are being mentioned but the explanation what they are comes to light at the 72% mark. Yep, that's how long you can guess. Some may find this entertaining, but it left this reader confused, especially because the members had special names that didn't make much sense. Macha was a spy, and the Crow...still not sure about her role...
The solution to the riddle was anti-climactic.
The heroine was a shrew for a loooong while. Look, I don't mind prickly, spirited heroines and I understood why Freya disliked Christopher - the tragedy that crippled her brother and the role Christopher played in it - but once she fell in love with him the reason didn't matter anymore, only her independence kept her from committing.
She’d never before met a man outside her family who considered a woman’s being willing to act on her own decisions a good thing.
She knew early on that Christopher wouldn't cage her in and take away her independence. It just felt like an excuse and at some point I didn't think Freya deserved Christopher.
The reason for Christopher's actions that faithful night was never fully explained. . It may be a set up for their friend Julian's book but if that is the case EH didn't do this book a favor because how can I root for somebody like that? Miraculously I did, although I could never really forget what he did. I really liked Christopher who had a good heart and actually loved the heroine's bristling.
“Don’t change. Don’t ever change. I like your prickliness, your scowls, the way you argue with me so fiercely."
Christopher and Freya's love was pretty instantaneous. They'd seen one another last when Freya was still a teenager and Christopher on the verge of becoming a man. When they meet again it takes only a couple of days for the hero to decide that he loves Freya and wants to marry her. And while I'm usually not too bothered by insta-love I have to at least feel the connection. Which I didn't. I didn't feel very invested in their relationship and it took me way longer to get through this story than it should have.
What saved this book was Elizabeth Hoyt's beautiful writing and I do hope the next story in this series will be a little more plotted out and we'll get answers we were denied in NOT THE DUKE'S DARLING.
He looked at Freya’s sleeping face and wished he could cut open his chest and reveal his heart, because he hadn’t the words to tell her what she meant to him.
December 28, 2018
1.5 stars
Right!
You have two choices, though they're by no means mutually exclusive.
You can either simply scroll through my updates, and you'll get the gist of my overall feelings about Not the Duke's Darling'.
Or - and that's by far the better option, in my opinion - you can read the excellent reviews already written by Caz, Kyraraker and Jan.
This is not laziness on my part for a change. I'd say so, if it was. There's simply nothing I could possibly add in regards to the many, many weaknesses of this book. Apart from the usual trademark Elizabeth Hoyt applies to all of her books by opening every chapter with the little fairy tale she comes up with, Not the Duke's Darling did not feel like an Elizabeth Hoyt book at all. My disappointment, and I'm not exaggerating, knows no bounds. The Maiden Lane series was a hit and miss for me. But even the books that I considered a miss were still way above the usual romances this sub genre usually offers. Even if I give Not the Duke's Darling the benefit of 'the first in a series, therefore too many characters and subplots', this one was awful. Had I read this book as a first-time-Elizabeth-Hoyt reader, I would have probably not bothered again.
I was of a mind of slapping this book with a 1-star rating. However, going through my 1-star shelf, I know there are worse romances out there. But within the work of Ms. Hoyt, this is definitely the weakest yet. Let's hope (in my case kneel, crawl, pray, beg) that the next one will be better. That said, I don't know how it could get any worse, unless it's as bad as this one. Then I'll definitely have a problem.
Until then...
As a side note, I should adopt some of Melody's
shelves. Apart from being hilarious, some of them would be spot on for this trainwreck of a book!
Right!
You have two choices, though they're by no means mutually exclusive.
You can either simply scroll through my updates, and you'll get the gist of my overall feelings about Not the Duke's Darling'.
Or - and that's by far the better option, in my opinion - you can read the excellent reviews already written by Caz, Kyraraker and Jan.
This is not laziness on my part for a change. I'd say so, if it was. There's simply nothing I could possibly add in regards to the many, many weaknesses of this book. Apart from the usual trademark Elizabeth Hoyt applies to all of her books by opening every chapter with the little fairy tale she comes up with, Not the Duke's Darling did not feel like an Elizabeth Hoyt book at all. My disappointment, and I'm not exaggerating, knows no bounds. The Maiden Lane series was a hit and miss for me. But even the books that I considered a miss were still way above the usual romances this sub genre usually offers. Even if I give Not the Duke's Darling the benefit of 'the first in a series, therefore too many characters and subplots', this one was awful. Had I read this book as a first-time-Elizabeth-Hoyt reader, I would have probably not bothered again.
I was of a mind of slapping this book with a 1-star rating. However, going through my 1-star shelf, I know there are worse romances out there. But within the work of Ms. Hoyt, this is definitely the weakest yet. Let's hope (in my case kneel, crawl, pray, beg) that the next one will be better. That said, I don't know how it could get any worse, unless it's as bad as this one. Then I'll definitely have a problem.
Until then...
As a side note, I should adopt some of Melody's
shelves. Apart from being hilarious, some of them would be spot on for this trainwreck of a book!
December 21, 2018
2 'it was OK' stars. This much-anticipated first book in a new series by a decent HR writer was actually pretty flat and disappointing for me. Others may enjoy it much more - these are my opinions only. I didn't hate it, but it's a bit of a rant, so feel free to look away now.
I just did not get engaged in this book and I couldn't bring myself to care much about the characters. I love the period and place setting (1760, England). But the trope was, for me, pretty lame. It's no spoiler (cos it's on the blurb) that the h, Freya, or Miss Stewart, is a member of the ancient Scottish order of 'Wise Women'. Hmm. I have little interest in secret societies, really, even though I know they can work as a central trope. But I'm a bit over the idea, and frankly I think I'd rather you just gave me a woman of her times who lives in her society and experiences the ups and downs of life. But I know many will enjoy the concept, and that's fine.
But it wasn't just the trope that I didn't particularly like. IMO this book just isn't Ms Hoyt's best-written book. There was too much going on for readers to easily parse. Too many sub plots simmering away, so you didn't really know which one to concentrate on or care about. Too many characters with confusing names. The h herself with her secret/not-so-secret identity has two names, which is confusing in itself. The dog has a person's name ('Tess') and for a while when she was mentioned I kept thinking she was a person. Then there is Lord Lovejoy and Mr Lovejoy (I think....???) Hmmm. I didn't really connect with H, h or storyline enough to care about them, so I kept getting characters confused, which muddied the waters even more for me. I didn't mind the sisters being named after Roman empresses (Messalina etc) but we didn't see much of them, and it felt too much like they were really there to set up future books rather than to forward the plot of this one.
And it didn't feel like there was enough romance and sexual tension between our lovers. They didn't even get down and dirty and do the deed till . I would have liked a bit more overt romance earlier on.
I didn't mind the H's past, with the reference to actual historical events But for me the whole plot line was unclear for too long. The thing with the Dunkelders got mixed up in my mind with the and it all felt confused. And what did really happen with Ran? (Terrible name, BTW!) Who was really to blame? I know there needs to be a certain level of suspense sustained, but if not enough is revealed early enough, readers (like me) are confused and can begin to lose interest. Which is what happened. I started to not care :/
I didn't really love the feminist aspect of this story. I know in 2018 authors are expected to write characters who have more agency. I respect that, and will always love a h who is intelligent, strong and has integrity. But I do like a HR to illustrate women of the times who lived within the very real constraints of their day. I found Freya's lecturing Harlowe about women's rights a little tedious, frankly. Isn't there a subtler way Ms Hoyt could have demonstrated their genuine respect for each other?
This book also has a little fairy tale/fable type story told in parts at the start of each chapter, just like in the Maiden Lane series. I know many readers love this - that's great for them. Personally I find them tedious and unnecessary, and after reading the first 'instalment', I completely skipped the rest, just as I did in the previous series. But that's not really a complaint - others will enjoy them and it's easy to skip over if you don't like them.
So, will I read future instalments in this series? Yes, I'll probably try at least the next one, hoping Ms Hoyt will be better on her game. This was potentially a really good book - mainly just muddied by too many things going on, too many characters. Let's see a clearer focus on our MCs, and with the romance more front and centre.
I just did not get engaged in this book and I couldn't bring myself to care much about the characters. I love the period and place setting (1760, England). But the trope was, for me, pretty lame. It's no spoiler (cos it's on the blurb) that the h, Freya, or Miss Stewart, is a member of the ancient Scottish order of 'Wise Women'. Hmm. I have little interest in secret societies, really, even though I know they can work as a central trope. But I'm a bit over the idea, and frankly I think I'd rather you just gave me a woman of her times who lives in her society and experiences the ups and downs of life. But I know many will enjoy the concept, and that's fine.
But it wasn't just the trope that I didn't particularly like. IMO this book just isn't Ms Hoyt's best-written book. There was too much going on for readers to easily parse. Too many sub plots simmering away, so you didn't really know which one to concentrate on or care about. Too many characters with confusing names. The h herself with her secret/not-so-secret identity has two names, which is confusing in itself. The dog has a person's name ('Tess') and for a while when she was mentioned I kept thinking she was a person. Then there is Lord Lovejoy and Mr Lovejoy (I think....???) Hmmm. I didn't really connect with H, h or storyline enough to care about them, so I kept getting characters confused, which muddied the waters even more for me. I didn't mind the sisters being named after Roman empresses (Messalina etc) but we didn't see much of them, and it felt too much like they were really there to set up future books rather than to forward the plot of this one.
And it didn't feel like there was enough romance and sexual tension between our lovers. They didn't even get down and dirty and do the deed till . I would have liked a bit more overt romance earlier on.
I didn't mind the H's past, with the reference to actual historical events But for me the whole plot line was unclear for too long. The thing with the Dunkelders got mixed up in my mind with the and it all felt confused. And what did really happen with Ran? (Terrible name, BTW!) Who was really to blame? I know there needs to be a certain level of suspense sustained, but if not enough is revealed early enough, readers (like me) are confused and can begin to lose interest. Which is what happened. I started to not care :/
I didn't really love the feminist aspect of this story. I know in 2018 authors are expected to write characters who have more agency. I respect that, and will always love a h who is intelligent, strong and has integrity. But I do like a HR to illustrate women of the times who lived within the very real constraints of their day. I found Freya's lecturing Harlowe about women's rights a little tedious, frankly. Isn't there a subtler way Ms Hoyt could have demonstrated their genuine respect for each other?
This book also has a little fairy tale/fable type story told in parts at the start of each chapter, just like in the Maiden Lane series. I know many readers love this - that's great for them. Personally I find them tedious and unnecessary, and after reading the first 'instalment', I completely skipped the rest, just as I did in the previous series. But that's not really a complaint - others will enjoy them and it's easy to skip over if you don't like them.
So, will I read future instalments in this series? Yes, I'll probably try at least the next one, hoping Ms Hoyt will be better on her game. This was potentially a really good book - mainly just muddied by too many things going on, too many characters. Let's see a clearer focus on our MCs, and with the romance more front and centre.
March 25, 2021
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers! He was her brother's best friend but now she wants revenge against him. I really enjoyed the suspense/action aspect of this story but I do wish we got a bit more romance too, because I loved Freya and Christopher! And I loved that Christopher has a dog
December 19, 2018
NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING is the first book in a new series called the Greycourt. Guys, this series is so fun! If you’re a fan of the Maiden Lane series or like a little bit of action in your Historical Romance, then I’m sure you’ll love this book as well.
The heroine, Freya, was really fun and cool. She’s a member of the secret order of Wise Women so there was a lot about her character that I found intriguing. It’s been a while since I’ve been this excited about a new series, especially a Historical Romance one. But I have some pretty high hopes for this series if the next books are as good as this one.
Engaging from the first page, NOT THE DUKE’S DARLING is a refreshing new series filled with action and mischief. I think you’ll love the characters for their unique personalities and interesting motives. Hoyt’s writing has always been fabulous, but her ability to weave suspenseful scenes are what really sets her books apart from the crowd.
Shelved as 'wishlist'
February 12, 2018You know that scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom where the evil dude rips the heart out of that one guy's chest?
I wish I could do that, only with this book and me ripping it out of the alternate dimension where it's already been written.
*wiggles fingers evilly*
I NEED THIS YOU GUYS, HOLY SHIT
I wish I could do that, only with this book and me ripping it out of the alternate dimension where it's already been written.
*wiggles fingers evilly*
I NEED THIS YOU GUYS, HOLY SHIT
December 23, 2018
3.5 Stars
I loved almost every book of the Maiden Lane series and so I was extremely excited to start on a new journey with Elizabeth Hoyt in the Greycourt series. Remember this is an introduction book to a new set of characters and overall plot arc so some things take more time than in other books.
First and foremost this is a semi-enemies to lovers story and so sometimes the animosity Freya feels for the Duke of Harlowe is a much. Since this is a set up story for more in this world there is a long drawn out tease to what the Greycourt scandal of the past was and why Freya became a wise woman. Also the wise women are a bit of a mystery for a long time in this book too. You know that they are women helping other women in need but the whole of who they are takes a long time to get to.
I like Freya, she is independent strong and has never been taught to set her worth on a man or the marriage she will make. This in itself is unusual for a Historical Romance novel. Even though she is the sister of a Duke she is undercover working as a paid companion so she can be the eyes and ears of the wise women.
It takes a very long time to get to what the Greycourt scandal was and why she hates the Duke of Harlowe so much when as a girl she had fantasies of marrying him. Even once we get to it no questions are really answered and I think that will be in following books where they actually work to solve the murder that happening. This incident doesn’t paint Harlowe in the best light, but it does make his character feel more three dimensional. He is a man that made a mistake as a young man and has paid for it for the last 15 years. He is not the same boy from the night of that tragedy.
The feelings that the two have for each other hit hard in the beginning and the turn from enemies to something more doesn’t take a long time. But still the writing is done well and I enjoyed the journey. I was a little concerned that Harlowe was married but the story of his wife made me feel like he paid and penance that he might have deserved for anything in his boyhood.
Overall this is a good introduction to the world and the characters that I think we will see over multiple books. I’m very interested in seeing a few of the characters from this book and meeting Freya’s brother Rand. There seem to be a lot of opportunities for great stories in the future of this series.
I loved almost every book of the Maiden Lane series and so I was extremely excited to start on a new journey with Elizabeth Hoyt in the Greycourt series. Remember this is an introduction book to a new set of characters and overall plot arc so some things take more time than in other books.
First and foremost this is a semi-enemies to lovers story and so sometimes the animosity Freya feels for the Duke of Harlowe is a much. Since this is a set up story for more in this world there is a long drawn out tease to what the Greycourt scandal of the past was and why Freya became a wise woman. Also the wise women are a bit of a mystery for a long time in this book too. You know that they are women helping other women in need but the whole of who they are takes a long time to get to.
I like Freya, she is independent strong and has never been taught to set her worth on a man or the marriage she will make. This in itself is unusual for a Historical Romance novel. Even though she is the sister of a Duke she is undercover working as a paid companion so she can be the eyes and ears of the wise women.
It takes a very long time to get to what the Greycourt scandal was and why she hates the Duke of Harlowe so much when as a girl she had fantasies of marrying him. Even once we get to it no questions are really answered and I think that will be in following books where they actually work to solve the murder that happening. This incident doesn’t paint Harlowe in the best light, but it does make his character feel more three dimensional. He is a man that made a mistake as a young man and has paid for it for the last 15 years. He is not the same boy from the night of that tragedy.
❝He was a man, both good and bad and everything in between.
A man who made her very aware that she was a woman of blood and bone and wants.❞
The feelings that the two have for each other hit hard in the beginning and the turn from enemies to something more doesn’t take a long time. But still the writing is done well and I enjoyed the journey. I was a little concerned that Harlowe was married but the story of his wife made me feel like he paid and penance that he might have deserved for anything in his boyhood.
Overall this is a good introduction to the world and the characters that I think we will see over multiple books. I’m very interested in seeing a few of the characters from this book and meeting Freya’s brother Rand. There seem to be a lot of opportunities for great stories in the future of this series.
December 14, 2018
Freya was a woman of titled nobility but reduced due to a scandal involving her brother and the Greycourts. Christopher, brother’s childhood friend was also involved, and while Freya would like to set him in his place with revenge, it soon becomes apparent that Freya may not know all the details
Freya’s newest mission leads her to a house party in order to get close to Lord Randolph, a man who wants to pass a law to once again subject women to witch trials. Lord Randolph had a wife, a much younger woman, who died under questionable circumstances, and Freya wants to make sure Lord Randolph didn’t get away with murder. Little did she know that Christopher, now Duke of Harlow, would also be at this house party. Christopher accepts the invitation to deal with a despicable man trying to blackmail him.
As they each deal with their own challenges they can’t help but be drawn to each other. Freya, because she loved Christopher once upon a time, even though she’s angered over his part in her brother’s ruin. Christopher can’t resist the feisty woman who pushes his every button with her sharp wit and cutting words. Soon they’re stealing away to satisfy the fiery passion between them and I could feel the heat coming off the pages every time they came together!
I love that Freya was a strong woman, not really influenced by societal norms here. She’s undercover, hiding the fact that she’s a duke’s daughter to get close to those who would reinstate antiquated laws in order to punish and subject woman who don’t fit into their boxed expectations. Even though I liked Freya I was a little irritated with her actions in the end. A smart woman should use all her assets to keep safe, such as asking for backup or help when facing danger. Going off alone isn’t the wisest thing in my opinion, especially a woman facing off with a man. Her resistance to Christopher was annoying, too, even though it was clear she loved him as he loved her. Thankfully, these situations weren’t long and drawn out so I still really enjoyed the story.
Elizabeth Hoyt’s historical romances are always beautifully written, sensual and captivating so I was excited to dive into her new series. Not the Duke’s Darling was an entertaining start to what looks to be a fantastic series! Can’t wait for the next story!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Freya’s newest mission leads her to a house party in order to get close to Lord Randolph, a man who wants to pass a law to once again subject women to witch trials. Lord Randolph had a wife, a much younger woman, who died under questionable circumstances, and Freya wants to make sure Lord Randolph didn’t get away with murder. Little did she know that Christopher, now Duke of Harlow, would also be at this house party. Christopher accepts the invitation to deal with a despicable man trying to blackmail him.
As they each deal with their own challenges they can’t help but be drawn to each other. Freya, because she loved Christopher once upon a time, even though she’s angered over his part in her brother’s ruin. Christopher can’t resist the feisty woman who pushes his every button with her sharp wit and cutting words. Soon they’re stealing away to satisfy the fiery passion between them and I could feel the heat coming off the pages every time they came together!
I love that Freya was a strong woman, not really influenced by societal norms here. She’s undercover, hiding the fact that she’s a duke’s daughter to get close to those who would reinstate antiquated laws in order to punish and subject woman who don’t fit into their boxed expectations. Even though I liked Freya I was a little irritated with her actions in the end. A smart woman should use all her assets to keep safe, such as asking for backup or help when facing danger. Going off alone isn’t the wisest thing in my opinion, especially a woman facing off with a man. Her resistance to Christopher was annoying, too, even though it was clear she loved him as he loved her. Thankfully, these situations weren’t long and drawn out so I still really enjoyed the story.
Elizabeth Hoyt’s historical romances are always beautifully written, sensual and captivating so I was excited to dive into her new series. Not the Duke’s Darling was an entertaining start to what looks to be a fantastic series! Can’t wait for the next story!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2019
From page one, this story begins quickly with readers being thrust into a scene with quite a lot of action. That sense of action and adventure, in the midst of a romance, continues on throughout the length of the novel.
I really enjoyed this story as I loved the chemistry and tension between the two main characters. As well, I was in the mood for a historical romance and this novel 'scratched that itch' nicely. It was a historical romance but the writing style was easy and enjoyable to read for me, which can be the defining point of whether I will enjoy a novel set in this period or not.
Additionally, I liked the underlying theme and message of feminism that was laced through this story with the main character of Freya. It was a strong message but felt integrated appropriately into the story where it didn't feel like an overpowering exaggerated message.
I look forward to continuing and reading more of this series in the future.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
I really enjoyed this story as I loved the chemistry and tension between the two main characters. As well, I was in the mood for a historical romance and this novel 'scratched that itch' nicely. It was a historical romance but the writing style was easy and enjoyable to read for me, which can be the defining point of whether I will enjoy a novel set in this period or not.
Additionally, I liked the underlying theme and message of feminism that was laced through this story with the main character of Freya. It was a strong message but felt integrated appropriately into the story where it didn't feel like an overpowering exaggerated message.
I look forward to continuing and reading more of this series in the future.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
December 29, 2020
This exceeded my expectations, which were pretty low to be fair. I thought the story interesting though convoluted. The h&h were likable and certainly had some understandable baggage that made the HEA tenuous. There was a lot of backstory that was not really built up, but explained through a simple explanation or revelation. The romance was not sizzling in the way that used to Hoyt’s signature, but it was nice. I will say I am so OVER teeth-gnashing kisses! That’s just painful for everybody involved, the h&h and the reader.
This certainly suffers from first in series setbacks, particularly for such a dark, twisted and intricate setting. I am interested in Messalina (though that name isn’t doing it for me) so I likely will continue.
This certainly suffers from first in series setbacks, particularly for such a dark, twisted and intricate setting. I am interested in Messalina (though that name isn’t doing it for me) so I likely will continue.
September 6, 2018
This was well written as always with a Hoyt book, and the last part was enjoyable; but I just didn’t find myself gripped by the storyline. It was a bit simplistic, I was not overly engaged with either of the leads, and the story was often rambling and with too many vaguely drawn subplots.
I got confused with all the names. There was no consistency in the name being used. Sometimes it was the character’s first name, other times the family name. Add to that the titles and the fake names, and I was often lost as to which character was which. So it was a good read; but not quite what I’ve come to expect from Hoyt.
I got confused with all the names. There was no consistency in the name being used. Sometimes it was the character’s first name, other times the family name. Add to that the titles and the fake names, and I was often lost as to which character was which. So it was a good read; but not quite what I’ve come to expect from Hoyt.
February 8, 2021
"She was a sire, a demon, his one weakness. He'd rise for her. He's fall for her."
*4.5-stars, copy received from publishers but all thoughts and opinions are my own*
REVIEW
This was my first Elizabeth Hoyt novel and I absolutely loved it. I haven't read many historical romances set in the 1700s, so it was a nice change of pace. That being said, if you are someone who is sensitive to the witch-hunts that occurred in the 1700s do be careful reading this book. Freya is part of a group called the Wise Women. They are not witches, but society views them as such and she is constantly in fear of being hunted by the Dunkelders.
The banter between Freya and Christopher was hilarious. I loved how Freya constantly clapped back at Christopher and had no issue being as blunt as possible with him. The development of their relationship was a rough one. They had a lot of emotional hills to cross in order to reach their end, and I appreciated the time Hoyt took to flesh out their progression.
Freya, while being a headstrong and kickass woman, is extremely closed off. She is still healing from the Greycourt Scandal that ruined her family. Freya is so used to fending for herself and only trusting herself that she struggles to let anyone in and help her. She knows she doesn't need a man, but she learns that there is nothing weak in wanting one. Unlike other books with "kickass" heroine that I have read, we actually get to see Freya use a sword and fight!
Christopher has PTSD from an event that he experienced while in India. His dog, Tess, essentially functions as a service animal for him (even though he doesn't realise it, nor was this a "thing" back in the 1700s). I really loved their relationship. Christopher is a character that, when you first meet him, you don't know if you can trust. Freya hates him so vehemently that it seems like he cannot be redeemable. But, through his POV, you learn that there is so much more to the story that Freya believes.
I really enjoyed the underlying mystery plot of this book. I am someone who is a fan of mysteries in their historical romances, and I know that they aren't for everyone. However, this is one of the best mystery sub-plots I have read in a HR. I was genuinely shocked at the twist and found myself wishing I had a friend to yell about it to. There is also a greater mystery in this book that will span the entire series - the murder of Sophy Greycourt.
It was really interesting that we had a POV in this book that was the main couple! I loved Messalina's POV and it made me even more excited for her book (which is the sequel). She is a very complex character, and seeing her POV helped fill in potential plot-holes. I really loved the female friendships in this book and how the women leant on one-another.
I cannot wait to continue on this series and also delve into Hoyt's backlist!
*4.5-stars, copy received from publishers but all thoughts and opinions are my own*
REVIEW
This was my first Elizabeth Hoyt novel and I absolutely loved it. I haven't read many historical romances set in the 1700s, so it was a nice change of pace. That being said, if you are someone who is sensitive to the witch-hunts that occurred in the 1700s do be careful reading this book. Freya is part of a group called the Wise Women. They are not witches, but society views them as such and she is constantly in fear of being hunted by the Dunkelders.
The banter between Freya and Christopher was hilarious. I loved how Freya constantly clapped back at Christopher and had no issue being as blunt as possible with him. The development of their relationship was a rough one. They had a lot of emotional hills to cross in order to reach their end, and I appreciated the time Hoyt took to flesh out their progression.
Freya, while being a headstrong and kickass woman, is extremely closed off. She is still healing from the Greycourt Scandal that ruined her family. Freya is so used to fending for herself and only trusting herself that she struggles to let anyone in and help her. She knows she doesn't need a man, but she learns that there is nothing weak in wanting one. Unlike other books with "kickass" heroine that I have read, we actually get to see Freya use a sword and fight!
Christopher has PTSD from an event that he experienced while in India. His dog, Tess, essentially functions as a service animal for him (even though he doesn't realise it, nor was this a "thing" back in the 1700s). I really loved their relationship. Christopher is a character that, when you first meet him, you don't know if you can trust. Freya hates him so vehemently that it seems like he cannot be redeemable. But, through his POV, you learn that there is so much more to the story that Freya believes.
I really enjoyed the underlying mystery plot of this book. I am someone who is a fan of mysteries in their historical romances, and I know that they aren't for everyone. However, this is one of the best mystery sub-plots I have read in a HR. I was genuinely shocked at the twist and found myself wishing I had a friend to yell about it to. There is also a greater mystery in this book that will span the entire series - the murder of Sophy Greycourt.
It was really interesting that we had a POV in this book that was the main couple! I loved Messalina's POV and it made me even more excited for her book (which is the sequel). She is a very complex character, and seeing her POV helped fill in potential plot-holes. I really loved the female friendships in this book and how the women leant on one-another.
I cannot wait to continue on this series and also delve into Hoyt's backlist!
January 25, 2019
2 Underwhelming Stars
Did Elizabeth Hoyt even write this book?? This was not what I was expecting. At all! The writing was ludicrous, the characters almost seemed childish. The sex scenes were a bore with words like “...he battered her with his pleasure.” Yeah no.
This was a total disappointment. I want to pretend I never read this book.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
I NEED this book!
Did Elizabeth Hoyt even write this book?? This was not what I was expecting. At all! The writing was ludicrous, the characters almost seemed childish. The sex scenes were a bore with words like “...he battered her with his pleasure.” Yeah no.
This was a total disappointment. I want to pretend I never read this book.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
I NEED this book!
February 2, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Not The Duke's Darling is the first book in the latest series from Elizabeth Hoyt. I have to admit I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, I have been such a fan of this author for so many years, and I have adored the way she has grown in her writing (although I still say her earlier books are pure gold) and even though I was very curious about this series I wasn't quite sure that I wanted to try this out because of all the mixed reviews of this one. I was actually disappointed it didn't receive a more positive feedback but finally I saw this available at my library and knew that I needed to grab it up and yeah this audio took almost a week to forge through. Quite frankly I wasn't sure that I wanted to stick with this one. I struggled so much with wanting to listen to it. Now at first I found the story highly engaging but man this heroine was a struggle for me to like at all. Which is probably why it took so long to get this listened to.
Not The Duke's Darling is a story of a young woman, Freya, who is on the run in the efforts to save an innocent child and return her to her mother. And is saved by Christopher, the Duke of Harlowe. Christopher is a man that Freya once considered a childhood friend but then blames him for what happened to her brother and his downfall. Now Freya is part of the "Wise Women" which is a group of women residing in Scotland in efforts to keep a bill from passing in England's parliament about burning and witches. Freya is determined to do whatever it takes to keep that from happening despite the distraction that Christopher is to her, but life tends to get complicated when you least expect it.
I will say that while there were some pivotal plot points that I had a blast with, I really struggled with this story. It had its entertaining value at some points, but quite frankly, the heroine was very prickly and bitter at times and that aspect just really turned me off from the story. She is a character that I wanted to really like but I just couldn't in many ways. It was highly disappointing though because in the beginning of the book you are highly intrigued by her drive and passion but it just flames out quickly and I just couldn't like her even in the end.
The romance was quite interesting, I did find that part enjoyable especially in Christopher's part, in just seeing the good parts of her. I really admired him as the hero of the story, he tends to not get turned off by her frosty exterior that is meant to push him away. I liked that he didn't let that deter him and never gives up on Freya and what they have together. He just has a solid character and was gold for me and to be honest he is the reason the rating of this book isn't lower. He really makes up for the negative feelings I had on this story.
Overall, despite some issues I had with the story, I found The Duke's Darling to be an interesting beginning to the series, it has a unique take on culture and society and some plot twists that leaves you wanting to know more.
Not The Duke's Darling is the first book in the latest series from Elizabeth Hoyt. I have to admit I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, I have been such a fan of this author for so many years, and I have adored the way she has grown in her writing (although I still say her earlier books are pure gold) and even though I was very curious about this series I wasn't quite sure that I wanted to try this out because of all the mixed reviews of this one. I was actually disappointed it didn't receive a more positive feedback but finally I saw this available at my library and knew that I needed to grab it up and yeah this audio took almost a week to forge through. Quite frankly I wasn't sure that I wanted to stick with this one. I struggled so much with wanting to listen to it. Now at first I found the story highly engaging but man this heroine was a struggle for me to like at all. Which is probably why it took so long to get this listened to.
Not The Duke's Darling is a story of a young woman, Freya, who is on the run in the efforts to save an innocent child and return her to her mother. And is saved by Christopher, the Duke of Harlowe. Christopher is a man that Freya once considered a childhood friend but then blames him for what happened to her brother and his downfall. Now Freya is part of the "Wise Women" which is a group of women residing in Scotland in efforts to keep a bill from passing in England's parliament about burning and witches. Freya is determined to do whatever it takes to keep that from happening despite the distraction that Christopher is to her, but life tends to get complicated when you least expect it.
I will say that while there were some pivotal plot points that I had a blast with, I really struggled with this story. It had its entertaining value at some points, but quite frankly, the heroine was very prickly and bitter at times and that aspect just really turned me off from the story. She is a character that I wanted to really like but I just couldn't in many ways. It was highly disappointing though because in the beginning of the book you are highly intrigued by her drive and passion but it just flames out quickly and I just couldn't like her even in the end.
The romance was quite interesting, I did find that part enjoyable especially in Christopher's part, in just seeing the good parts of her. I really admired him as the hero of the story, he tends to not get turned off by her frosty exterior that is meant to push him away. I liked that he didn't let that deter him and never gives up on Freya and what they have together. He just has a solid character and was gold for me and to be honest he is the reason the rating of this book isn't lower. He really makes up for the negative feelings I had on this story.
Overall, despite some issues I had with the story, I found The Duke's Darling to be an interesting beginning to the series, it has a unique take on culture and society and some plot twists that leaves you wanting to know more.
January 29, 2019
1/29/2019
wot
So... this book is one of the most confusing WTF moments I've ever had.
Where do I even begin?
How about with the fact that this book did NOT read like a E. Hoyt novel. It was like E. Hoyt from a parallel universe where she was not E. Hoyt.
LET ME CLARIFY!!! I LOVE ELIZABETH HOYT, I HAVE READ HER MAIDEN LANE AND HER RAVEN SERIES, AND PART OF HER SOLDIERS SERIES. I LOVED ALL BUT A FEW OF HER BOOKS. BUT THIS ONE WAS JUST A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BALLPARK.
One of the things that is bothering me about newer EH books is that she is seeming to let go of all pretenses of HISTORICAL which is the freaking genre. Some of the language used was ridiculous. It's like, girl you didn't even try to make him sound like he be livin in 1740. There was a line in this book that literally said "Fuck that" THAT PHRASE DID NOT EXIST UNTIL LIKE OVER 200 YEARS LATER TF. So that really bothered me here. It felt like lazy writing.
This book, imo, does not represent EH or her writing in any way. All authors are on a sin wave, and I think when this was written she didn't have her normal spunk. Therefore, I am not hating her or judging her. I am criticizing her book which was v. v. confusing and made no sense. I AM ALSO TELLING NEW READERS OF EH THAT SHE HAS AMAZING NOVELS. THIS WAS JUST A WEIRD FLOP THAT SHE WILL HOPEFULLY OVERCOME. IF YOU WANT SOME RECOMMENDATIONS OF MY FAVE BOOKS BY HER JUST LMK DOWN BELOW!!
K so lets start with the main character Freya who is part of a secret society of women who help women which is AWESOME btw but NEVER EVEN EXPLAINED??? Honestly, I love shit like that but the fact that it was like basically portrayed as a fantasy made it so so cheesy and baaaad. So she is Macha (again dafuq??) and she is a badass independent woman and she is ANGRY
SHE'S SO ANGRYYYY. And she hates Him for everything he did to her family and shit
And then there is Christopher. So he was very sweet but the way this book was written just made him seem boring.
I'm sorry but this book was centered around this horrible even that happened in the past, and it should have STARTED with that. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PROLOGUE.
Instead it was a clusterfuck of unorganization and a main character who was so so confusing. She made no sense!
She was like I HATE HIM
and then she literally was like nevermind!! 15 years of festered hatred completely resolved, let's have sex!! THAT LITERALLY HAPPENED THIS IS NO JOKE I AM NOT EXAGGERATING.
AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW THE QUALITY OF THE SEX SCENES HAVE COMPLETELY GONE DOWN THE DRAIN??!! I MEAN THERE WAS ALWAYS LIKE ZERO FOREPLAY AND NONE OF THE USUAL SENSUALITY OR INTIMACY. It's crazy cause I was re-reading Dearest Rogue, WHICH IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ROMANCE NOVELS BY HER, and the stark difference between the writing and the plot and everything makes me wonder if someone else wrote this book lol. Her alter ego.
When the character pov jumped to another person who will likely be the MC in the next novel, I was SO CONFUSED. BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T EVEN TALK ABOUT THE THING SHE WAS THINKING ABOUT BEFOREHAND AND I WAS LITERALLY LIKE WHAT IS SHE SAYING.
And in the end when they're together there was NO EPILOGUE???!!!!?? WHY???!!!! THEIR FAMILIES HATED EACH OTHER AND IT WASN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED. WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN TO HER BROTHERS?? WHAT ABOUT MESSALINA?? ARABELLA?? WTF IS HAPPENING.
And the danger plot was like not even a thing? And their romance was rushed and the best thing about this book was the dog.
The damn dog.
DESPITE ALL OF THIS. THE BOOK WAS NOT HORRIBLE. IT WAS JUST WEIRD WITH A LOOOT OF LOOSE ENDS. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS DETER YOU FROM ELIZABETH HOYT. IM SURE SHE WAS JUST HAVING A BAD WRITING DAY LOL
AANNNND WE HAVE A COVER!!!
does anyone else immensely dislike the cover? there was a bigass photoshoot but of all the ones, why this pose? It's ugly af in my opinion and the background is so painfully obviously fake, and their expressions make them look unattractive lol
SUPER EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK! I love me some EH, and dying for more books after Maiden Lane ended
wot
So... this book is one of the most confusing WTF moments I've ever had.
Where do I even begin?
How about with the fact that this book did NOT read like a E. Hoyt novel. It was like E. Hoyt from a parallel universe where she was not E. Hoyt.
LET ME CLARIFY!!! I LOVE ELIZABETH HOYT, I HAVE READ HER MAIDEN LANE AND HER RAVEN SERIES, AND PART OF HER SOLDIERS SERIES. I LOVED ALL BUT A FEW OF HER BOOKS. BUT THIS ONE WAS JUST A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BALLPARK.
One of the things that is bothering me about newer EH books is that she is seeming to let go of all pretenses of HISTORICAL which is the freaking genre. Some of the language used was ridiculous. It's like, girl you didn't even try to make him sound like he be livin in 1740. There was a line in this book that literally said "Fuck that" THAT PHRASE DID NOT EXIST UNTIL LIKE OVER 200 YEARS LATER TF. So that really bothered me here. It felt like lazy writing.
This book, imo, does not represent EH or her writing in any way. All authors are on a sin wave, and I think when this was written she didn't have her normal spunk. Therefore, I am not hating her or judging her. I am criticizing her book which was v. v. confusing and made no sense. I AM ALSO TELLING NEW READERS OF EH THAT SHE HAS AMAZING NOVELS. THIS WAS JUST A WEIRD FLOP THAT SHE WILL HOPEFULLY OVERCOME. IF YOU WANT SOME RECOMMENDATIONS OF MY FAVE BOOKS BY HER JUST LMK DOWN BELOW!!
K so lets start with the main character Freya who is part of a secret society of women who help women which is AWESOME btw but NEVER EVEN EXPLAINED??? Honestly, I love shit like that but the fact that it was like basically portrayed as a fantasy made it so so cheesy and baaaad. So she is Macha (again dafuq??) and she is a badass independent woman and she is ANGRY
SHE'S SO ANGRYYYY. And she hates Him for everything he did to her family and shit
And then there is Christopher. So he was very sweet but the way this book was written just made him seem boring.
I'm sorry but this book was centered around this horrible even that happened in the past, and it should have STARTED with that. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PROLOGUE.
Instead it was a clusterfuck of unorganization and a main character who was so so confusing. She made no sense!
She was like I HATE HIM
and then she literally was like nevermind!! 15 years of festered hatred completely resolved, let's have sex!! THAT LITERALLY HAPPENED THIS IS NO JOKE I AM NOT EXAGGERATING.
AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW THE QUALITY OF THE SEX SCENES HAVE COMPLETELY GONE DOWN THE DRAIN??!! I MEAN THERE WAS ALWAYS LIKE ZERO FOREPLAY AND NONE OF THE USUAL SENSUALITY OR INTIMACY. It's crazy cause I was re-reading Dearest Rogue, WHICH IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ROMANCE NOVELS BY HER, and the stark difference between the writing and the plot and everything makes me wonder if someone else wrote this book lol. Her alter ego.
When the character pov jumped to another person who will likely be the MC in the next novel, I was SO CONFUSED. BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T EVEN TALK ABOUT THE THING SHE WAS THINKING ABOUT BEFOREHAND AND I WAS LITERALLY LIKE WHAT IS SHE SAYING.
And in the end when they're together there was NO EPILOGUE???!!!!?? WHY???!!!! THEIR FAMILIES HATED EACH OTHER AND IT WASN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED. WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN TO HER BROTHERS?? WHAT ABOUT MESSALINA?? ARABELLA?? WTF IS HAPPENING.
And the danger plot was like not even a thing? And their romance was rushed and the best thing about this book was the dog.
The damn dog.
DESPITE ALL OF THIS. THE BOOK WAS NOT HORRIBLE. IT WAS JUST WEIRD WITH A LOOOT OF LOOSE ENDS. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS DETER YOU FROM ELIZABETH HOYT. IM SURE SHE WAS JUST HAVING A BAD WRITING DAY LOL
AANNNND WE HAVE A COVER!!!
does anyone else immensely dislike the cover? there was a bigass photoshoot but of all the ones, why this pose? It's ugly af in my opinion and the background is so painfully obviously fake, and their expressions make them look unattractive lol
SUPER EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK! I love me some EH, and dying for more books after Maiden Lane ended
September 1, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋���💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (some might be a bit longer? Some felt light to me though)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately (about 2%)
Cliffhanger: No – the romance is a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes? But it’s just the ending of the sections of the story of The Grey Court Changeling which started each chapter, not of the actual characters.
Format: got as a “read now” option on NetGalley and just getting to it now after a few years
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think yes – this is book 1 but a lot of things were established and set up in this book that will continue through the series.
Basic plot:
When Freya is faced with her nemesis and cause of the downfall of her family at a house party, she begins to take her revenge.
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian romance (1760)
- London and countryside setting
- childhood friends
- enemies to lovers (on heroine’s side)
- widower hero
- bit of mystery/secret identity
- duel
- revenge
- beloved pets – this was the first historical book (or any book) I’ve read that basically had a service dog
- claustrophobic hero
- medium steam – 4 full scenes but some felt on the lighter side
Ages:
- Heroine is 27, hero is ‘past 30’
First line:
Had someone asked Freya Stewart de Moray at the age of twelve what she expected to be doing fifteen years later, she would’ve listed three things.
My thoughts:
I didn’t hear the best things about this novel so I put off reading it forever. Maybe because my expectations were so low was why I ended up enjoying it!
It does have some darkness running through it and some plot events left unanswered for sure (and I’m not sure if the series will get finished so if that is a deal breaker for you maybe put off this series for now and see).
Christopher is our hero and he has some major flaws. But I love how he was able to admit that and become a better person from what happened. I thought he was really protective of Freya and really bared his heart to her to get her to forgive him.
Freya is so independent and determined. I struggled with her a bit with how long it took her to open up with Christopher. I know our heroines are always the ones giving to the heroes but my heart just ached with how badly Christopher wanted her to trust him and let him in and she held strong for most of the book.
This book surprised me with how emotional it was – I felt the angst so much in this, and I was aching during some of the scenes. Everyone talks about and loves Maiden Lane but I really enjoyed this one (And maybe it’s because I’ve only read 2 of the Maiden Lane series to compare so I don’t have certain expectations in my head?) I’m definitely eager to try the next one in the series after this.
Endearments:
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋���💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (some might be a bit longer? Some felt light to me though)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately (about 2%)
Cliffhanger: No – the romance is a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes? But it’s just the ending of the sections of the story of The Grey Court Changeling which started each chapter, not of the actual characters.
Format: got as a “read now” option on NetGalley and just getting to it now after a few years
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think yes – this is book 1 but a lot of things were established and set up in this book that will continue through the series.
Basic plot:
When Freya is faced with her nemesis and cause of the downfall of her family at a house party, she begins to take her revenge.
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian romance (1760)
- London and countryside setting
- childhood friends
- enemies to lovers (on heroine’s side)
- widower hero
- bit of mystery/secret identity
- duel
- revenge
- beloved pets – this was the first historical book (or any book) I’ve read that basically had a service dog
- claustrophobic hero
- medium steam – 4 full scenes but some felt on the lighter side
Ages:
- Heroine is 27, hero is ‘past 30’
First line:
Had someone asked Freya Stewart de Moray at the age of twelve what she expected to be doing fifteen years later, she would’ve listed three things.
My thoughts:
I didn’t hear the best things about this novel so I put off reading it forever. Maybe because my expectations were so low was why I ended up enjoying it!
It does have some darkness running through it and some plot events left unanswered for sure (and I’m not sure if the series will get finished so if that is a deal breaker for you maybe put off this series for now and see).
Christopher is our hero and he has some major flaws. But I love how he was able to admit that and become a better person from what happened. I thought he was really protective of Freya and really bared his heart to her to get her to forgive him.
Freya is so independent and determined. I struggled with her a bit with how long it took her to open up with Christopher. I know our heroines are always the ones giving to the heroes but my heart just ached with how badly Christopher wanted her to trust him and let him in and she held strong for most of the book.
This book surprised me with how emotional it was – I felt the angst so much in this, and I was aching during some of the scenes. Everyone talks about and loves Maiden Lane but I really enjoyed this one (And maybe it’s because I’ve only read 2 of the Maiden Lane series to compare so I don’t have certain expectations in my head?) I’m definitely eager to try the next one in the series after this.
Endearments:
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
September 25, 2018
The central couple is Christopher and Freya, childhood friends who were estranged after her brother is wrongly accused of murder. Fast forward fifteen years and now Christopher is a Duke and Freya is in service as a companion (or so it seems). They meet by chance at a house party and have to deal with the past, the present and also consider what they want for their future.
I loved the hero! Christopher Renshaw, Duke of Harlowe had a dark past to regret, but was a lovely person all through the book. He was forever respectful and understanding and my infatuation grew into love after a few chapters.
I cannot say the same about the heroine though, at least not at first. At the beginning Freya seemed a little childish and even sometimes arrogant. But she grew on me later on when she finally let down her guard and showed she was also a sensitive woman in search of understanding and love. I could then realize that her insistent self affirmation was in fact a reflection of her inner doubts, and it changed my initial opinion of her.
There is a lot going on in the book: a secret women society, witch hunting, families tore apart by an unexplained murder, an arranged marriage, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), blackmailing, illegal confinement, and much more...
Although full of adventure, the story also brings a well built romance with tender and steamy scenes.
As the first book in a new series, several characters are introduced, including the heroine’s best friend Messalina (whose calm and fortitude really conquered me and who is the protagonist of the following book: “When a Rogue Meets His Match”).
I’m a fan of Mrs. Hoyt’s work and I’m looking forward to read the next books!
I’ve received this ARC as a prize in a giveaway during the Historical Romance Retreat 2018, with no strings attached.
I loved the hero! Christopher Renshaw, Duke of Harlowe had a dark past to regret, but was a lovely person all through the book. He was forever respectful and understanding and my infatuation grew into love after a few chapters.
I cannot say the same about the heroine though, at least not at first. At the beginning Freya seemed a little childish and even sometimes arrogant. But she grew on me later on when she finally let down her guard and showed she was also a sensitive woman in search of understanding and love. I could then realize that her insistent self affirmation was in fact a reflection of her inner doubts, and it changed my initial opinion of her.
There is a lot going on in the book: a secret women society, witch hunting, families tore apart by an unexplained murder, an arranged marriage, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), blackmailing, illegal confinement, and much more...
Although full of adventure, the story also brings a well built romance with tender and steamy scenes.
As the first book in a new series, several characters are introduced, including the heroine’s best friend Messalina (whose calm and fortitude really conquered me and who is the protagonist of the following book: “When a Rogue Meets His Match”).
I’m a fan of Mrs. Hoyt’s work and I’m looking forward to read the next books!
I’ve received this ARC as a prize in a giveaway during the Historical Romance Retreat 2018, with no strings attached.
September 5, 2019
Bunun puanı neden düşükmüş anladım. Diğer serisine göre acele acele yazılmış ve havada kalmış hissi veren çok yeri var. Sürekli bir şeyler hızlandırılıyormuş hissinden kopamadım. İlişkileri de diğer serideki karakterler kadar hevesle okutmadı açıkçası. Serinin sonraki kitabından daha ümitliyim ama yurt dışında yayınlanmasına 1 sene var...
April 4, 2020
Severek okuduğum bir Hoyt kitabı oldu. Eksikleri var mıydı? Elbette ancak bu sevmeme engel olacak kadar değildi. Hele de uzun bir sürenin ardından beni kendine çeken bir kitap olması yeterince iyi.
Ana kadın karakterimiz muhteşem :) Kesinlikle muhteşem. Bir kadın karakterden beklediğim her şey. Güçlü, kendi ayakları üstünde duran, sepet beyinli olmayan, erkek karakteri görünce dizlerinin bağı çözülüp durmayan, tek derdi iyi bir kısmet bulmak olmayan, kararlı, diğer kadınlara yardım etmeye ant içmiş, iyilik yapmayı konumunun üstüne koymuş bir kadındı.
Erkek karakterimiz de geçmişinde bazı trajediler yaşamış, fakat yıllar önce, çocukluk arkadaşının kardeşiyle karşılaşan (ve onu katiyen tanımayan) bir Dük.
Hoyt'un kitaplara biraz macera katmasını seviyorum. Bana birazcık Agatha Christie girişlerini anımsattı. Bir evde konuklar var ve içlerinden birisi bilmem ne tarzı.
Sadece adamın geçmişi çok hızlı geçildi ve sonu biraz çabuk şekilde bağlandı. Ana olayı uzatıp her kitapta birazını anlatma niyetinde olduğunu anladım ama bu kitaptan alınan tadı da etkiliyor.
Ana kadın karakterimiz muhteşem :) Kesinlikle muhteşem. Bir kadın karakterden beklediğim her şey. Güçlü, kendi ayakları üstünde duran, sepet beyinli olmayan, erkek karakteri görünce dizlerinin bağı çözülüp durmayan, tek derdi iyi bir kısmet bulmak olmayan, kararlı, diğer kadınlara yardım etmeye ant içmiş, iyilik yapmayı konumunun üstüne koymuş bir kadındı.
Erkek karakterimiz de geçmişinde bazı trajediler yaşamış, fakat yıllar önce, çocukluk arkadaşının kardeşiyle karşılaşan (ve onu katiyen tanımayan) bir Dük.
Hoyt'un kitaplara biraz macera katmasını seviyorum. Bana birazcık Agatha Christie girişlerini anımsattı. Bir evde konuklar var ve içlerinden birisi bilmem ne tarzı.
Sadece adamın geçmişi çok hızlı geçildi ve sonu biraz çabuk şekilde bağlandı. Ana olayı uzatıp her kitapta birazını anlatma niyetinde olduğunu anladım ama bu kitaptan alınan tadı da etkiliyor.
May 13, 2021
Loved this one honestly, I love the tension and mystery. I love the side characters. This was fab for me.
January 7, 2020
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Not the Duke’s Darling is the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s promising new Greycourt series. It follows the exploits of our heroine, Freya, who is part of a secret order known as the Wise Women. These women live in a commune-like environment in northern Scotland. They’re well-educated in many different traditional areas, as well as learning the ways of their foremothers in the healing arts. They’re also very independent and forward-thinking, always trying to protect their fellow women in need in an era when women’s rights were virtually non-existent. Freya is paired with Christopher, a duke, who unexpectedly inherited his title from a distant relative. The two were acquainted in childhood with Christopher being Freya’s brother, Rand’s best friend. Freya had a huge crush on Christopher as a girl, but ever since a scandalous tragedy involving both their families, they haven’t seen each other for fifteen years until a chance meeting in which Freya all but throws herself and a woman and child she’s trying to save into his coach during a daring escape. Then they have a later second meeting at a house party they’re both attending, which leads to a rekindling of their friendship and a whole lot more.
Freya is the daughter of a duke, but when she was twelve years old, her older brother, Rand, was accused of a heinous crime and severely beaten for it by the men of the father of the woman he’d supposedly wronged. Of course, none of it was true, but her brother was left permanently maimed as a result and now lives in seclusion. Not long after the scandal, her father died as well, leaving her ill brother, who was only eighteen at the time, as new duke. Since Rand was unable to care for Freya and her younger sisters, an older, maiden aunt came to take them to live with her and the Wise Women who taught them all they knew. As a result, Freya is now a fiercely independent spitfire, who has worked as the Macha (or spy) of the group for the past five years, saving many women who might otherwise have perished or been horribly abused. She lives under the assumed identity of a companion and chaperon to a lady and her two daughters, but she’s been tasked by the Wise Women to find dirt on a lord who is about to introduce legislation to make witch-hunting legal again. Since the Wise Women are often accused of witchcraft, this would be a terrible turn events for them. As it happens, the house party Freya is to attend with her charges is being held at an estate next-door to the lord she needs to investigate. Also in attendance at the party is Christopher, who Freya blames for Rand’s condition, so she vows to get vengeance on him at the same time. But she didn’t expect to discover that Christopher is actually a decent guy and then find herself falling in love with him.
Freya is a very liberated woman, possibly too much so for some readers given that this is a historical romance. This might be why the book has lower ratings than most of Elizabeth Hoyt’s works, but since I haven’t read any reviews yet, I’m not sure. Given the context of her upbringing, though, I was able to set aside any skepticism. I’m not really sure if Wise Women like what are portrayed here actually existed at the time, but it at least seemed plausible to me. Freya is, however, tough as nails and doesn’t believe that she needs a man in her life at all, something that becomes a sticking point in her burgeoning relationship with Christoper. I often have difficulty with heroines who are as stubborn and independent as Freya is, but somehow she made sense to me. Perhaps it’s because she vacillates between her fiercely independent streaks and softer, more vulnerable moments. I loved how she comforted Christopher when they were locked in a small space and he was panicking. I also like how she took charge to some extent during the love scenes, but was always so giving of herself at the same time. In addition, she could be reasonable and forgiving when faced with the truth of what Christoper’s life has been like since that scandalous night. I’ll admit that Freya did come close to tweaking my buttons when she kept refusing Christopher’s proposals, but in the end, I think she was just afraid of losing herself and her autonomy in their relationship, which is a valid concern that many strong-willed women like her have.
Christopher is haunted by that scandalous night and regrets not taking action to help his friend before things went too far. Simply because he had been involved, he ended up paying a steep price, not just to his psyche, but in his life. His father forced him into an arranged marriage with a woman he’d only met twice, then basically exiled him to India, where his wife died, something he also holds himself responsible for. It wasn’t until a distant relative died without heirs, leaving him as the next duke that he returned to England. When Christopher meets up with Freya again, he realizes she’s everything he’s longed for in a wife and partner, and the exact opposite of his former wife. He loves Freya’s fiery nature and the way she argues and debates with him. She challenges him at every turn, but he finds it all arousing and intriguing. However, the independent lady keeps refusing his suit, as well as his help, even when investigating a potentially dangerous enemy. I absolutely adored Christopher. He’s a kind, caring man, completely accepting of Freya as she is and never expecting her to change into a meek and submissive wife. What he wants is an equal partner and he respects her intellectual abilities. He’s also very patient, never badgering her to accept his proposal. Even though a part of him wants to, he bides his time, allowing her to come to terms with the decision on her own without stifling her autonomy, even if it means possibly losing her.
Overall, Not the Duke’s Darling was another great read from the pen of Elizabeth Hoyt. It boasts some great secondary characters, including Freya’s former best friend, Messalina, another player from that fateful night, with whom she reconnects. Messalina gets several of her own POV scenes, and we also get a brief introduction to Gideon Hawthorne, the man I’m pretty sure will become her hero in the next book of the series, A Rogue Meets His Match. There were a number of other characters that could also make great future heroes and heroines, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Christopher's loyal dog, Tess, who’s always by his side. In addition to the wonderful characters, there’s plenty of action and intrigue, enough for me to categorize this book as romantic suspense. There are multiple mysteries afoot to figure out, including what happened that night fifteen years ago, why someone is blackmailing Christopher, and what happened to the wife of the lord Freya is investigating. I have to say I wasn’t the least disappointed with any of these reveals. The only thing that wasn’t entirely solved is what happened to Messalina’s sister, which is a mystery that I assume will be explored further in future books of the Greycourt series. But for now, Not the Duke’s Darling was an awesome start to this new series that has me eagerly awaiting the next one, which is expected to be released this summer (2019).
Patience for Christmas by Grace Burrowes - Bonus novella. Patience for Christmas is a holiday-themed novella about a bluestocking advice columnist and her publisher. The two have historically been at odds with one another, but not nearly as much as she’s been at odds with a competing advice columnist. Her publisher believes that he can exploit their rivalry to sell more newspapers if they publish daily columns, doling out wise counsel on all things Christmas for the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Together they work hard to complete the endeavor, while falling in love. But what will happen when she discovers his big secret?
Patience was born a well-bred lady, but her father was a profligate spender. Just as she was about to make a good match with a viscount with whom she thought she was in love, her suitor discovered that she had no inheritance and dropped her cold, leaving her reputation ruined. If not for the kindness of her grandmother, she would have had nothing, but luckily the old woman left Patience everything she owned, including a small townhouse. Patience didn’t start out as a bluestocking, but the hardships she endured taught her that she couldn’t rely on the men in her life for anything. So she vowed to do whatever it took to remain independent. The fiery spinster earns her living by writing an advice column as a character named Mrs. Horner, and Mrs. Horner’s Corner has thus far been extremely well-received by the citizens of London. But three months earlier, a competing columnist named Professor Pennypacker emerged and has been her nemesis ever since. Now her publisher, Dougal MacHugh, with whom she’s also usually at odds, wants her to answer letters daily throughout the holiday season in something of a back-and-forth exchange with Pennypacker. Knowing the extra funds will help greatly, she agrees, and as she works with Dougal almost day and night for two weeks, she finds that the man is a lot more likable than she originally thought and soon falls for him. I admired Patience’s spunkiness and her willingness to stand up for herself. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and gives Dougal a run for his money, but at the same time she’s kind and compassionate toward others and has the heart of an activist.
Scotsman Dougal is a former school teacher who used his inheritance to start a publishing house with dreams of someday printing educational books and materials at a low cost so that they can be accessible to everyone. Things didn’t exactly go as planned, though. As it turns out, Mrs. Horner’s Corner took off and is now the thing that makes him the most money, so he comes up with his scheme to sell even more papers over the holiday season. He genuinely admires Patience and seems to enjoy locking horns with her. I think he was starting to have deeper feelings for her before the story begins, but it’s working closely with her on a daily basis that really solidifies those emotions. By the time Christmas comes, he’s more than ready to propose, but there’s a little matter of a big secret he’s been keeping from her. Dougal is a man I admired for his ability to see and appreciate the value in a woman’s mind. He views Patience as his equal, and when she finally confides her past to him, he’s incensed on her behalf that the viscount would leave her like he did. I also thought that his dream was an admirable one, and I felt that with Patience by his side, he just might achieve it in the future.
Overall, Patience for Christmas was a fun, enjoyable novella. The supporting cast was very likable and Dougal’s cat, George was cute. I was amused by the advice columnist rivalry that had people buying broadsheets like gangbusters. I also enjoyed the meeting of the minds that occurs between Dougal and Patience, and how they gain a new respect for one another. Where I thought the story faltered a bit was in the romance itself. These two characters have an intellectual connection in spades, and I do love seeing that in a hero and heroine’s relationship. However, it didn’t fully translate into an emotional one. They’re very matter-of-fact with each other about nearly everything to do with their romantic connection, including the decision to share a bed. Even the one love scene is IMHO rather bland and lacking genuine passion. Otherwise, though, I felt that the story was well-written. It was my first read by Grace Burrowes, and it was good enough to leave me open to trying more of her work in the future, but I do hope that she steps up the romance a bit more in her other stories. I read Patience for Christmas as a bonus novella in the back of this book, but it appears to have been originally published in the anthology, The Virtues of Christmas, and has also been released as a stand-alone ebook. Star Rating: ****
Not the Duke’s Darling is the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s promising new Greycourt series. It follows the exploits of our heroine, Freya, who is part of a secret order known as the Wise Women. These women live in a commune-like environment in northern Scotland. They’re well-educated in many different traditional areas, as well as learning the ways of their foremothers in the healing arts. They’re also very independent and forward-thinking, always trying to protect their fellow women in need in an era when women’s rights were virtually non-existent. Freya is paired with Christopher, a duke, who unexpectedly inherited his title from a distant relative. The two were acquainted in childhood with Christopher being Freya’s brother, Rand’s best friend. Freya had a huge crush on Christopher as a girl, but ever since a scandalous tragedy involving both their families, they haven’t seen each other for fifteen years until a chance meeting in which Freya all but throws herself and a woman and child she’s trying to save into his coach during a daring escape. Then they have a later second meeting at a house party they’re both attending, which leads to a rekindling of their friendship and a whole lot more.
Freya is the daughter of a duke, but when she was twelve years old, her older brother, Rand, was accused of a heinous crime and severely beaten for it by the men of the father of the woman he’d supposedly wronged. Of course, none of it was true, but her brother was left permanently maimed as a result and now lives in seclusion. Not long after the scandal, her father died as well, leaving her ill brother, who was only eighteen at the time, as new duke. Since Rand was unable to care for Freya and her younger sisters, an older, maiden aunt came to take them to live with her and the Wise Women who taught them all they knew. As a result, Freya is now a fiercely independent spitfire, who has worked as the Macha (or spy) of the group for the past five years, saving many women who might otherwise have perished or been horribly abused. She lives under the assumed identity of a companion and chaperon to a lady and her two daughters, but she’s been tasked by the Wise Women to find dirt on a lord who is about to introduce legislation to make witch-hunting legal again. Since the Wise Women are often accused of witchcraft, this would be a terrible turn events for them. As it happens, the house party Freya is to attend with her charges is being held at an estate next-door to the lord she needs to investigate. Also in attendance at the party is Christopher, who Freya blames for Rand’s condition, so she vows to get vengeance on him at the same time. But she didn’t expect to discover that Christopher is actually a decent guy and then find herself falling in love with him.
Freya is a very liberated woman, possibly too much so for some readers given that this is a historical romance. This might be why the book has lower ratings than most of Elizabeth Hoyt’s works, but since I haven’t read any reviews yet, I’m not sure. Given the context of her upbringing, though, I was able to set aside any skepticism. I’m not really sure if Wise Women like what are portrayed here actually existed at the time, but it at least seemed plausible to me. Freya is, however, tough as nails and doesn’t believe that she needs a man in her life at all, something that becomes a sticking point in her burgeoning relationship with Christoper. I often have difficulty with heroines who are as stubborn and independent as Freya is, but somehow she made sense to me. Perhaps it’s because she vacillates between her fiercely independent streaks and softer, more vulnerable moments. I loved how she comforted Christopher when they were locked in a small space and he was panicking. I also like how she took charge to some extent during the love scenes, but was always so giving of herself at the same time. In addition, she could be reasonable and forgiving when faced with the truth of what Christoper’s life has been like since that scandalous night. I’ll admit that Freya did come close to tweaking my buttons when she kept refusing Christopher’s proposals, but in the end, I think she was just afraid of losing herself and her autonomy in their relationship, which is a valid concern that many strong-willed women like her have.
Christopher is haunted by that scandalous night and regrets not taking action to help his friend before things went too far. Simply because he had been involved, he ended up paying a steep price, not just to his psyche, but in his life. His father forced him into an arranged marriage with a woman he’d only met twice, then basically exiled him to India, where his wife died, something he also holds himself responsible for. It wasn’t until a distant relative died without heirs, leaving him as the next duke that he returned to England. When Christopher meets up with Freya again, he realizes she’s everything he’s longed for in a wife and partner, and the exact opposite of his former wife. He loves Freya’s fiery nature and the way she argues and debates with him. She challenges him at every turn, but he finds it all arousing and intriguing. However, the independent lady keeps refusing his suit, as well as his help, even when investigating a potentially dangerous enemy. I absolutely adored Christopher. He’s a kind, caring man, completely accepting of Freya as she is and never expecting her to change into a meek and submissive wife. What he wants is an equal partner and he respects her intellectual abilities. He’s also very patient, never badgering her to accept his proposal. Even though a part of him wants to, he bides his time, allowing her to come to terms with the decision on her own without stifling her autonomy, even if it means possibly losing her.
Overall, Not the Duke’s Darling was another great read from the pen of Elizabeth Hoyt. It boasts some great secondary characters, including Freya’s former best friend, Messalina, another player from that fateful night, with whom she reconnects. Messalina gets several of her own POV scenes, and we also get a brief introduction to Gideon Hawthorne, the man I’m pretty sure will become her hero in the next book of the series, A Rogue Meets His Match. There were a number of other characters that could also make great future heroes and heroines, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Christopher's loyal dog, Tess, who’s always by his side. In addition to the wonderful characters, there’s plenty of action and intrigue, enough for me to categorize this book as romantic suspense. There are multiple mysteries afoot to figure out, including what happened that night fifteen years ago, why someone is blackmailing Christopher, and what happened to the wife of the lord Freya is investigating. I have to say I wasn’t the least disappointed with any of these reveals. The only thing that wasn’t entirely solved is what happened to Messalina’s sister, which is a mystery that I assume will be explored further in future books of the Greycourt series. But for now, Not the Duke’s Darling was an awesome start to this new series that has me eagerly awaiting the next one, which is expected to be released this summer (2019).
Patience for Christmas by Grace Burrowes - Bonus novella. Patience for Christmas is a holiday-themed novella about a bluestocking advice columnist and her publisher. The two have historically been at odds with one another, but not nearly as much as she’s been at odds with a competing advice columnist. Her publisher believes that he can exploit their rivalry to sell more newspapers if they publish daily columns, doling out wise counsel on all things Christmas for the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Together they work hard to complete the endeavor, while falling in love. But what will happen when she discovers his big secret?
Patience was born a well-bred lady, but her father was a profligate spender. Just as she was about to make a good match with a viscount with whom she thought she was in love, her suitor discovered that she had no inheritance and dropped her cold, leaving her reputation ruined. If not for the kindness of her grandmother, she would have had nothing, but luckily the old woman left Patience everything she owned, including a small townhouse. Patience didn’t start out as a bluestocking, but the hardships she endured taught her that she couldn’t rely on the men in her life for anything. So she vowed to do whatever it took to remain independent. The fiery spinster earns her living by writing an advice column as a character named Mrs. Horner, and Mrs. Horner’s Corner has thus far been extremely well-received by the citizens of London. But three months earlier, a competing columnist named Professor Pennypacker emerged and has been her nemesis ever since. Now her publisher, Dougal MacHugh, with whom she’s also usually at odds, wants her to answer letters daily throughout the holiday season in something of a back-and-forth exchange with Pennypacker. Knowing the extra funds will help greatly, she agrees, and as she works with Dougal almost day and night for two weeks, she finds that the man is a lot more likable than she originally thought and soon falls for him. I admired Patience’s spunkiness and her willingness to stand up for herself. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and gives Dougal a run for his money, but at the same time she’s kind and compassionate toward others and has the heart of an activist.
Scotsman Dougal is a former school teacher who used his inheritance to start a publishing house with dreams of someday printing educational books and materials at a low cost so that they can be accessible to everyone. Things didn’t exactly go as planned, though. As it turns out, Mrs. Horner’s Corner took off and is now the thing that makes him the most money, so he comes up with his scheme to sell even more papers over the holiday season. He genuinely admires Patience and seems to enjoy locking horns with her. I think he was starting to have deeper feelings for her before the story begins, but it’s working closely with her on a daily basis that really solidifies those emotions. By the time Christmas comes, he’s more than ready to propose, but there’s a little matter of a big secret he’s been keeping from her. Dougal is a man I admired for his ability to see and appreciate the value in a woman’s mind. He views Patience as his equal, and when she finally confides her past to him, he’s incensed on her behalf that the viscount would leave her like he did. I also thought that his dream was an admirable one, and I felt that with Patience by his side, he just might achieve it in the future.
Overall, Patience for Christmas was a fun, enjoyable novella. The supporting cast was very likable and Dougal’s cat, George was cute. I was amused by the advice columnist rivalry that had people buying broadsheets like gangbusters. I also enjoyed the meeting of the minds that occurs between Dougal and Patience, and how they gain a new respect for one another. Where I thought the story faltered a bit was in the romance itself. These two characters have an intellectual connection in spades, and I do love seeing that in a hero and heroine’s relationship. However, it didn’t fully translate into an emotional one. They’re very matter-of-fact with each other about nearly everything to do with their romantic connection, including the decision to share a bed. Even the one love scene is IMHO rather bland and lacking genuine passion. Otherwise, though, I felt that the story was well-written. It was my first read by Grace Burrowes, and it was good enough to leave me open to trying more of her work in the future, but I do hope that she steps up the romance a bit more in her other stories. I read Patience for Christmas as a bonus novella in the back of this book, but it appears to have been originally published in the anthology, The Virtues of Christmas, and has also been released as a stand-alone ebook. Star Rating: ****
July 17, 2020
I really liked this, but there was just something missing that is typical of an amazing Elizabeth Hoyt book. I can't put my finger on it though. I can't wait for Messilina's book! I hope Ran gets his own book, too.
January 28, 2019
A terrible incident 15 years ago created consequences that both Lady Freya de Moray and Duke Christopher Harlowe are still dealing with. Through a complicated series of circumstances both end up at a house party in rural England, Freya with a secret mission and under an assumed identity as a lady's companion, and the Duke ready to pay off a blackmailer. Freya's mission is to protect a secret society of Wise Women by investigating the sponsor of a bill that would reintroduce witch hunts, but she risks distraction with the man who she blames for her family's downfall.
This is a lot of fun, even though the background as to why Freya has such modern sensibilities isn't very believable, nor is her focus on independence. (An unmarried woman in Regency England was no more independent than a married one, just that her legal dependence was on her relatives rather than her husband.) Still the central focus of every romance should be on the protagonists, and both are wonderfully written.
This is a lot of fun, even though the background as to why Freya has such modern sensibilities isn't very believable, nor is her focus on independence. (An unmarried woman in Regency England was no more independent than a married one, just that her legal dependence was on her relatives rather than her husband.) Still the central focus of every romance should be on the protagonists, and both are wonderfully written.
January 4, 2019
Ah, Hoyt, who’s written some of my favourite historical romances, The Leopard Prince and Duke Of Sin. Therefore, a new Hoyt series is always welcome and I happily plunged into Not the Duke’s Darling as my first 2019 romance-read. Though it didn’t reach the heights of my favourites, very difficult to do given how much I love them, it was satisfying. In particular, the storylines and premise it sets up make me eager for the books-to-come.
Not the Duke’s Darling is Georgian-set, Hoyt’s time setting of choice, and centres around reunited childhood friends and former-best-friend’s-younger-sister hero and heroine, Christopher Renshaw, Duke of Harlowe and Freya Stewart de Moray. The opening scene was thrilling, funny, and compelling. Freya is a member of a ancient, secret society, the “Wise Women”, a group of proto-feminists sworn to help and protect women, persecuted as witches and now living in seclusion in an isolated part of Scotland. Freya, however, is one of their agents, living pseudonymously in society, aiding women, and keeping her ears and eyes alert to threats to the group. In the opening scene, Freya is helping a baby-lordling and his widowed mother escape the clutches of an evil uncle, intent on using the infant-lord to control his estates.
Desperate to escape pursuing thugs, Freya, baby, and nurse tumble into a nobleman’s carriage, Christopher’s carriage. Freya recognizes Christopher as the man who stood by and watched as her brother was beaten fifteen years ago, when they were all friends in Scotland. (This backstory serves to re-introduce some of the characters involved in that life-changing incident, while others hover, ready to be brought in in later volumes.) Christopher, on the other, hand, doesn’t immediately recognize Freya, but he does find her exciting and beautiful, if a tad crazy. He helps save baby and Freya and she is able to hand the one and half year old Earl of Brightwater over to his mother, who spirits him away to America. Freya then meets with anther Wise Woman, the “Crow,” who warns her that the Wise Women want her return to their Scottish sanctuary. Freya wants to stay in England to investigate the instigator of a new Witch Act in Parliament, sure to destroy the Wise Women. That instigator is Lord Randolph. Working as ladies’ companion to the Holland family, Freya finds herself on the way to a country estate party at the Lovejoys, whose holdings abut Lord Randolph’s. An ideal opportunity. Moreover, Freya also wants to reunite with Christopher, to exact revenge for what happened to her brother, especially when she noticed, in the carriage, that Christopher wore her brother’s signet ring.
In the meanwhile, Christopher, ever haunted by the mad, beautiful woman who fell into his carriage, is confronted by his own problems. A handsome little creep, Thomas Plimpton, is blackmailing him over some letters Christopher’s deceased wife exchanged. As Plimpton is to attend the same house-party to which Freya has been invited, Christopher makes his way there. The romance then becomes a working out of their past, the push-pull of their attraction, and their pursuit of Plimpton and the witch-hating parliamentarian, Lord Randolph. Moreover, other figures from that original traumatic scene appear at the house-party: the sisters, one of whom was Freya’s childhood friend, Messalina, of the man who caused Ran’s beating, Julian Greycourt.
That it took me three long, inelegant paragraphs to reach the point where I can express an opinion about the book may tell you something both about its weakness and strength. Hoyt can’t write a bad book if her life depended on it. She drew me in with her creation of this Wise Woman society and especially with the conversations among the women of the house-party. Lady Holland, Freya’s employer, turns out to be a sympathetic, forward-thinking character, an anti-Mrs.-Bennett, smart and concerned for her daughters’ happiness as opposed to their marrying up and rich. Freya’s reconciliation with Messalina is wonderful, as is Messalina herself. Though the muffin-eating, sword-wielding sister, Lucretia, steals the show in one priceless scene. The mysterious beating, the reasons behind it (Ran was thought, at the time, to have killed the Greycourts’ sister, Aurelia, not true, of course, but it brought about the estrangement among the close-knit friends), the proto-feminist society and what they stand for, Christopher’s own sad backstory, and the delightful dog, Tess.
Hoyt is setting up a compelling, original series: what she didn’t accomplish is the development of Freya and Christopher’s relationship. In order to introduce her overarching series narrative, Freya and Christopher and even Tess have sound as one-note wonders. Christopher, no matter how one-quirked-eyebrow roguishly handsome he is, is a man of fidelity, decency, and care for others, protective and loving toward Freya and all women. He sees Freya, is attracted to her, likes her, realizes who she is, woos her and wants her throughout. Freya, on the other hand, is fiercely independent and wary, wary of marriage and commitment and the way it might thwart her work with the Wise Women and her own freedom. As smart and good as Freya and Christopher were, it was hard not to see how they couldn’t NOT be together, how they couldn’t NOT work out their differences, especially Freya. She’s too smart not to recognize Christopher’s value, how he would only ever stand by her, never thwart or diminish her. There’s a lot sex, well, not a lot, not till the last third: it’s good it takes Freya and Christopher a while to become lovers, but when they do, it’s at least a love scene a chapter. So, there’s a lot of sex, but not much tension, difference, the emotional stakes don’t seem to be that high. And, frankly, the love scenes are over-wrought, trying to make up in heightened language what is lacking in development.
In the end, Not the Duke’s Darling great strength is Hoyt’s world-building: the families, that past incident that will need to be worked out, the potential in all those marvelous characters waiting to have their story told, the atmosphere of danger and, the potential presence of characters, some still at loggerheads, who will serve as a merry band against evil. I loved Not the Duke’s Darling for what is to come and I liked Not the Duke’s Darling for its likable, compatible couple and the binding role they will come to play in the other characters’ lives. I loved the women and their friendships/relationships the most of all. With Miss Austen, we say that Hoyt’s first Greycourt novel offers “real comfort,” Emma.
Elizabeth Hoyt’s Not the Duke’s Darling is published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing). It was released on December 18, 2018, and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received a Digital Galley Edition from Forever via Netgalley, as well as a paper copy.
Not the Duke’s Darling is Georgian-set, Hoyt’s time setting of choice, and centres around reunited childhood friends and former-best-friend’s-younger-sister hero and heroine, Christopher Renshaw, Duke of Harlowe and Freya Stewart de Moray. The opening scene was thrilling, funny, and compelling. Freya is a member of a ancient, secret society, the “Wise Women”, a group of proto-feminists sworn to help and protect women, persecuted as witches and now living in seclusion in an isolated part of Scotland. Freya, however, is one of their agents, living pseudonymously in society, aiding women, and keeping her ears and eyes alert to threats to the group. In the opening scene, Freya is helping a baby-lordling and his widowed mother escape the clutches of an evil uncle, intent on using the infant-lord to control his estates.
Desperate to escape pursuing thugs, Freya, baby, and nurse tumble into a nobleman’s carriage, Christopher’s carriage. Freya recognizes Christopher as the man who stood by and watched as her brother was beaten fifteen years ago, when they were all friends in Scotland. (This backstory serves to re-introduce some of the characters involved in that life-changing incident, while others hover, ready to be brought in in later volumes.) Christopher, on the other, hand, doesn’t immediately recognize Freya, but he does find her exciting and beautiful, if a tad crazy. He helps save baby and Freya and she is able to hand the one and half year old Earl of Brightwater over to his mother, who spirits him away to America. Freya then meets with anther Wise Woman, the “Crow,” who warns her that the Wise Women want her return to their Scottish sanctuary. Freya wants to stay in England to investigate the instigator of a new Witch Act in Parliament, sure to destroy the Wise Women. That instigator is Lord Randolph. Working as ladies’ companion to the Holland family, Freya finds herself on the way to a country estate party at the Lovejoys, whose holdings abut Lord Randolph’s. An ideal opportunity. Moreover, Freya also wants to reunite with Christopher, to exact revenge for what happened to her brother, especially when she noticed, in the carriage, that Christopher wore her brother’s signet ring.
In the meanwhile, Christopher, ever haunted by the mad, beautiful woman who fell into his carriage, is confronted by his own problems. A handsome little creep, Thomas Plimpton, is blackmailing him over some letters Christopher’s deceased wife exchanged. As Plimpton is to attend the same house-party to which Freya has been invited, Christopher makes his way there. The romance then becomes a working out of their past, the push-pull of their attraction, and their pursuit of Plimpton and the witch-hating parliamentarian, Lord Randolph. Moreover, other figures from that original traumatic scene appear at the house-party: the sisters, one of whom was Freya’s childhood friend, Messalina, of the man who caused Ran’s beating, Julian Greycourt.
That it took me three long, inelegant paragraphs to reach the point where I can express an opinion about the book may tell you something both about its weakness and strength. Hoyt can’t write a bad book if her life depended on it. She drew me in with her creation of this Wise Woman society and especially with the conversations among the women of the house-party. Lady Holland, Freya’s employer, turns out to be a sympathetic, forward-thinking character, an anti-Mrs.-Bennett, smart and concerned for her daughters’ happiness as opposed to their marrying up and rich. Freya’s reconciliation with Messalina is wonderful, as is Messalina herself. Though the muffin-eating, sword-wielding sister, Lucretia, steals the show in one priceless scene. The mysterious beating, the reasons behind it (Ran was thought, at the time, to have killed the Greycourts’ sister, Aurelia, not true, of course, but it brought about the estrangement among the close-knit friends), the proto-feminist society and what they stand for, Christopher’s own sad backstory, and the delightful dog, Tess.
Hoyt is setting up a compelling, original series: what she didn’t accomplish is the development of Freya and Christopher’s relationship. In order to introduce her overarching series narrative, Freya and Christopher and even Tess have sound as one-note wonders. Christopher, no matter how one-quirked-eyebrow roguishly handsome he is, is a man of fidelity, decency, and care for others, protective and loving toward Freya and all women. He sees Freya, is attracted to her, likes her, realizes who she is, woos her and wants her throughout. Freya, on the other hand, is fiercely independent and wary, wary of marriage and commitment and the way it might thwart her work with the Wise Women and her own freedom. As smart and good as Freya and Christopher were, it was hard not to see how they couldn’t NOT be together, how they couldn’t NOT work out their differences, especially Freya. She’s too smart not to recognize Christopher’s value, how he would only ever stand by her, never thwart or diminish her. There’s a lot sex, well, not a lot, not till the last third: it’s good it takes Freya and Christopher a while to become lovers, but when they do, it’s at least a love scene a chapter. So, there’s a lot of sex, but not much tension, difference, the emotional stakes don’t seem to be that high. And, frankly, the love scenes are over-wrought, trying to make up in heightened language what is lacking in development.
In the end, Not the Duke’s Darling great strength is Hoyt’s world-building: the families, that past incident that will need to be worked out, the potential in all those marvelous characters waiting to have their story told, the atmosphere of danger and, the potential presence of characters, some still at loggerheads, who will serve as a merry band against evil. I loved Not the Duke’s Darling for what is to come and I liked Not the Duke’s Darling for its likable, compatible couple and the binding role they will come to play in the other characters’ lives. I loved the women and their friendships/relationships the most of all. With Miss Austen, we say that Hoyt’s first Greycourt novel offers “real comfort,” Emma.
Elizabeth Hoyt’s Not the Duke’s Darling is published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing). It was released on December 18, 2018, and may be found at your preferred vendor. I received a Digital Galley Edition from Forever via Netgalley, as well as a paper copy.
May 26, 2021
This was such a weird book. My main problem with it was that it was very confusing and convoluted, there were too many characters and subplots, I didn't know what the hell was going on most of the time. The main characters and the actual romance were not super exciting, their chemistry must have gotten lost somewhere between all the other stuff that was going on. Also, what a huge missed opportunity for a great prologue. Maybe Hoyt was going for mysterious but was I got was confused. The events of that night would have made for a great prologue, maybe that would have actually given the characters some some emotional depth that would have engaged the reader from the beginning.
May 7, 2021
This is the intriguing first book in the Greycourt series.
Freya is an interesting woman and her personality not what you would expect.
She is living under a fictitious name, she is disgraced nobility, a member of the secret order of Wise Women and a chaperone.
You had better believe she is out for revenge, Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe is the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downward spiral of her family.
He has secrets, secrets he needs to never have told and because of that he's being blackmailed into attending a house party which he plans to attend and put a stop to all this nonsense.
It just so happens that delightful Freya de Moray is in attendance . He can't take his eyes off of her .
The author has made the story come to life and this is what I enjoy seeing in books!
Pub Date 18 Dec 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Freya is an interesting woman and her personality not what you would expect.
She is living under a fictitious name, she is disgraced nobility, a member of the secret order of Wise Women and a chaperone.
You had better believe she is out for revenge, Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe is the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downward spiral of her family.
He has secrets, secrets he needs to never have told and because of that he's being blackmailed into attending a house party which he plans to attend and put a stop to all this nonsense.
It just so happens that delightful Freya de Moray is in attendance . He can't take his eyes off of her .
The author has made the story come to life and this is what I enjoy seeing in books!
Pub Date 18 Dec 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 5, 2021
This book was...weird. I liked the writing, I liked the couple, I liked the rediscovering of friendship part, but the whole secret society and witch hunting just left me totally unable to sink into the book? Which, considering I just came off my epic Kleypas binge where that's all I did, is not what you want. And the ebook ended at 70%, what the hell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 559 reviews