Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

I was fully prepared to not like this book.  I had read all of the previous books in the series and definitely liked some more than others.  What I didn't expect was to actually find humor or even to find the plot the least bit believable.  Fortunately I was wrong on both parts, although, it still is a little bit of a stretch to believe that a Duke would marry a poor serving girl/shopkeeper.

As to the two lead characters, Griffin and Pauline did work well together.  Griffin's mother was perfect as the dowager duchess who just wanted grandchildren.  I thought her knitting was a perfect way to show that she wasn't perfect and it really gave her and Pauline a chance to get to bond a bit.  

So, I guess I would describe this a cute, funny read as long as you truly get in line with the silliness of the bet between the Duke and his mother.  I do have to mention that this book contained one of the funniest scenes near the end that I have ever read.  It rivals Sebastian reading out loud a trashy novel in Julia Quinn's What Happens in London easily.  I laughed so hard I think I broke a rib!!!

I would definitely recommend it as a quick read and a definite renter from the library.  I now own it, but I'm not sure I will feel the need to re-read it anytime soon.

I am looking forward to a story about Delacre if Ms. Dare will write one.  I think he might have been passed off as a bad guy a bit, but I really think there is more to him.

Enjoy!

Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James

I think Eloisa James has regained a bit of her swagger with this latest book. I found myself very much intrigued with a hero and heroine who not only obviously loved each other, but also found themselves with a pretty common problem for a newly married couple or new lovers in general. Ms. James actually allowed the second half of the book to center around how very difficult it is for many women to not only realize that there is a problem, but also that the issue is so touchy, difficult and slightly embarrassing to talk about. It can be so difficult that it has the potential to cause great stress to a new relationship. I think a lot of regency based books touch lightly on this issue, but mostly to prove how masculine and worldly the current hero is compared to the heroine's previous husband/lover.

If you haven't read the book, then I'm sure the previous paragraph is confusing, but I'm not sure how much I want to get into the plot lines. I just want to say that it is a new concept and Ms. James handled it extremely well with each character acting very much acting in an understandable way. It wasn't precisely predictable, but interesting to read the words that so often are never said.


The secondary characters are a wonderful addition to the story, although the character of Susannah seemed a little forced. I highly recommend this story and I'm happy to report that Ms. James is back!!!


4 1/2 stars.