review; the ugly duchess

The Ugly Duchess
by Eloisa James

How can she dare to imagine he loves her when all London calls her The Ugly Duchess?

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke’s passion.

Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months. Theo would have given it a lifetime – until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.

Society was shocked by their wedding … and is scandalized by their separation’

Now James faces the battle of his life, convincing Theo that he loves the duckling who blossomed into the swan.

And Theo will quickly find that, for a man with the soul of a pirate, All’s Fair in Love—and War.

Review:
I was not expecting something like this. I was really not expecting to enjoy this novel as much as I did, or to finish it as fast as I did. I could not put it down.

I don’t usually read romance novels. Only sometimes, when I’m in a mood, or after watching a romantic comedy, do I look for something a little romantic and passionate. And of course, fairy tales are a weakness of mine, so this definitely intrigued me. A friend has reviewed one of Eloisa James’ other novels, and I have to say, I understand her fondness a lot better now.

The novel is a wonderful mix of fairytale and passion, and a delicious mix of angst and humor. I do love well-written angst, and not only is the angst understandable and believable, it is tempered with dry wit and subtle humor. The characters are all entertaining, especially the main two.

Theo – the female protagonist – is not a damsel in distress, which is something I love. She is witty, and feisty, and not one to back down from anything. James, the male protagonist, is equally fierce and demanding. Their dynamics are entertaining and sharp, and very passionate. I have never shipped a couple in a novel as fast as I shipped them.

I love the style of writing throughout the novel, and while period romantic pieces are not something I thought I would ever enjoy, this has changed my opinion of them. I can easily say that I will definitely be going back and reading some of Eloisa James’ other fairy tale novels.