The Day of the Duchess

This is my first book by this author, and I am so happy to have discovered her with such an amazing novel!

I have a great admiration for how this book was written - the flash backs helped me understand the characters so much, and I could literally feel my heart breaking for them in many scenes.

I love romance novels, but it’s always a given that the characters will end up together. I was happily surprised to find that this book — and how hellbent Sera was for her freedom — made me doubt that there would be a happily ever after, after all.

For most of the book, I was so enthralled that I was convinced I would give it 5 stars (never happens…), but the wrap up of the book (though not so unbelievable), was too quick. I wished for a couple of extra chapters that delved a bit more into how the characters — Sera in particular — finally decided to stay together after a full book of being convinced that letting love go was the only acceptable course of action.

Nevertheless, I will be reading this book again, as well as the rest of the series.

We love a grovel!

A few things to know before diving into this book (or any book by Sarah MacLean). You have to enjoy drama: from full blown productions with characters who won’t let go to little moments of temper-fueled outbursts, usually brought on by one of the characters acting to type, or diverting from it. Appreciating female characters that are a bit more modern than one would expect: no shrinking violets these, they have thoughts, dreams, and desires and are not afraid to take a chance to grab that joy. Men who aren’t ever quite sure what hit them, especially after they find themselves unable to forget her, and even those who are aware enough to recognize their own missteps. And when that is boxed together with a family that wasn’t born to society and gives even less credence to the expectations of same – you get this. Grab a chair and prepare yourself for a ride!

Malcolm, Duke of Haven has retreated from society – he’s ashamed of his behavior and the scenes he caused in a very ‘un-duke-like’ manner. Now, the decisions and his bad behavior have come to a head: he needs an heir, thus he needs a willing wife. Problem is – he has one, and she doesn’t want him. Left him without a trace nearly three years back, and with her unforeseen return comes yet another blow: she wants a divorce and to never see him again.

Seraphina spent the early years of her marriage being denigrated and feeling “less than” her husband. A stickler for propriety, he was shamed by her family and the scandal that surrounds them. What she doesn’t know is that during the time, Malcolm had searched for her, reviewed every moment of their marriage, revisited every interaction and knows now that he was more than harsh, and she is the woman he wants above all others. But, he’s got to convince her, and to convince her that he has changed he comes up with a plan. Sophie knows that Malcolm needs an heir, but she’s not volunteering for that job. So, when she’s faced with a marriage she doesn’t want, or her freedom in exchange for finding a ‘suitable’ replacement for Malcolm. What she doesn’t realize is that Malcolm has decided that he will use every moment he can to convince her to come home. Permanently.

Oh poor Sophie: she really did love Malcolm, and his behavior cut her to the quick. Now, she’s determined that he won’t get another chance to hurt her again….but he’s so…..

Together these two are everything: adorable together with a wonderful banter: but this was no simple connection. Too much history and Malcolm’s inability to ask the questions he so desperately needs answers for kept them in the back and forth: him trying to show he’s changed his perspective and Sophie desperately trying to guard her heart – the one he shattered into little pieces with his cutting words and behavior. I didn’t actually think that they would actually hit that point of honest emotion where they could trust in one another to share openly, but slowly the cracks in the façade broke, and they both are struggling with the missteps of the past, as Sophie finally finds her own voice and makes her own choices without first considering her family’s or her husband’s wishes. Oh her growth was wonderful – and Malcolm: a good grovel never hurts and he is truly feeling it – something that the very fair-minded (and just a little in love) Sophie can’t help but see. With a wonderful reunion and informative epilogue – their story comes with bows, smiles, tears and big hearts.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.