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My Review:Title: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding
Author: Stacy Reid
Series: Scandalous House of Calydon #1
Published by: Entangled: Scandalous
Release Date: April 14, 2014
Format: ebook
Pages: 112
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Overdrive
Reading Challenges: Lenoreo's 2023 COYER Chapter 1, Lenoreo's 2023 Diversity Reading Challenge
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My rating:
Blurb:Victorian Era England...
As far as rash decisions go, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne's will remains strong. If the only way to save her family's estate and reputation is by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it. For Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction - and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself...
But she's made the first move against a very dangerous opponent...
For Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand. Now it's his turn. For Sebastian is in need of a wife. And to find a wife with spirit and fire - even if she means to only marry for his money - would be a great prize indeed. And he intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her... and demands his own satisfaction in return.
2.5 stars — Well, that was disappointing. I recently gobbled up the Sinful Wallflowers series, and so of course I needed to go through Ms. Reid’s books available at my library. Unfortunately I didn’t realize this book would be a novella, and would leave me feeling like I got hit by a speeding train.
To say things happen fast in this book is putting it mildly, and unfortunately it just wasn’t satisfying or believable for me. We never really get to know either of our MCs that well. Sebastian has this cold demeanor from a troubled relationship with his mother in particular, and it’s all just sort of sped through perfunctorily. We don’t get to see the changes in his attitude, since they mostly happen off page because of Jocelyn’s suggestions.
Jocelyn is extremely fiery, and frankly super reckless. I couldn’t believe the way she approached her husband, it felt a bit more modern. And I’m not even here for historical accuracy, in general I don’t care that much! But it still felt kind of unbelievable to me.
Their relationship goes from 0 to 60 with no resistance, no shyness, no pain, no awkwardness, nothing. Thus it was…meh. I get excited by connection and emotion more than just the act, and the connection was too fast to be believable.
So yeah. No believable growth, no believable connection, just way too fast for my taste. Novellas are hard to do, and this one definitely would have been more enjoyable for me if it was full length.
Sorry to hear this was a disappointment. I also love reading DUKE books!