Adele or Adeline?

Well!...I was happy listening to this book a second time because I love Stacy Reid novels, when it hit me that there seemed to be another women in the dukes life,so I went back chapter by chapter to see if I’d missed when this other lady appeared. No I hadn’t dreamed her up,it was the narrator, she keeps getting her name wrong,not just once or twice but through out the book. I couldn’t believe she even did it in one sentence with only a couple of words in between!! All I can think is that she was so engrossed in the story she didn’t realise what she was doing. I found it very confusing. I think Stacy should get the narrator to re read it at not extra cost. I also think in one of the chapters that there is a paragraph or two missing as it didn’t make sense. I can’t remember which one at the moment but I’m sure you will understand what I mean when you hear it. I’m amazed no one picked this up when it was recorded or proofed? I found it very irritating and spoiled the story for me.

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Not romantic or inspiring.

The Heroine's father and stepmother wishes to marry her to a debauched, potential rapist, to gain social position. She naturally forgives them and her potential suitor, when she marries the Duke.
The Hero wants a "White Wedding" and a mother for his children.
His first wife, who he loved dearly died in childbirth. Result; he no longer wishes to fall in love or make another woman pregnant.
That is the whole story, no good supporting characters to relieve the tedium of "shall I, shan't I".
She chases he runs, when caught blames her for his lack of resolution.

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A very good story but missed the mark on other aspects

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. It felt rather realistic, in that the H/h fall in love in a very real way. Then the intimacy comes a little later... I also enjoyed the conflict in the book which was very simple. There was no villain or external conflict that can cause HR books to seem trite. It’s just one man, who struggles mightily with his fear of loss and fear of grief.

That said, I forgot how repetitive Reid’s writing can feel. Namely, in how the characters address each other and how she describes things... dear god she loves ‘sensuality,’ and it drives me a bit mad be it when you are reading the book or listening. She can be very on the mark with her historical accuracy and then throws it in the garbage when she has people saying “pumpkin” as an endearment. Now I am genuinely not usually a stickler for that but with this book it really grated. I also forgot how Lesley seems like a tolerable narrator at first.... but then after a few hours the cadence gets intolerable. No one speaks like that to each other. “I love you............. Adele. I will never leave you.......... duchess.” No. No. No!

Rant over. If you can handle Leslie, and you don’t mind Reid’s style then this is genuinely a very well developed and heartwarming story with two very likable characters. Tentatively will say worth the credit.

1 person found this helpful

A light romance.

A romantic story which kept your attention through out the script.A light read well worth it.

Rubbish

Silly, silly rubbish. This book concentrates on sexual exploits with a weak storyline that is used simply for padding around the sexual activities. Also the narration is poor and only serves to exacerbate this very poor novel.

beautiful story

Loved every minute of this book. I couldn't stop listening. It was such a beautiful story. The narrator was good but the male voices were much to be desired, especially for Edmund who was supposed to be a big man. His voice was too effeminate. I much prefer male narrators when they are good ones.

its was ok.

narrator was good.
this book was tame in lovely way.
1st time listening to stacey books.

Surprisingly enthralling and emotional

I was looking for a romantic candyfloss novel to get me through my quarantine chores, and while this was romantic and had some very steamy scenes, I was surprised at how invested I became in their emotional journeys. The author really unpacked the Duke's trauma. Very well written and the narrator was excellent. *** CAUTION: Do not read if you are pregnant with your first baby ***

Brilliant

A definite reread - good characters great story and super ending. Can’t wait for next book

better than the reviews indicated

this is a hot and steamy romance, not the demure 'hand holding' type for George Heyer fans. However great to have a leading lady that isn't feeble.
Fantastic narration, so much better than the over acting of other period drama stories, voice range was really good and engaging I will be looking for more stories from Madeleine - Stacy Reid's built tension really well and the stay scenes weren't to sordid a good balance in my view,