BOTM 2 - January 2021 - Accidentally Compromising the Duke

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Discussion thread for the Second BOTM of January 2021. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Happy Reading!


Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid

England, 1817. Miss Adeline Hays is out of options. Determined to escape marriage to a repugnant earl, Adeline plans to deliberately allow herself to be caught in a compromising position at a house party with the much kinder man she’d hoped to marry. Instead, Adeline accidentally enters the wrong chamber and tumbles into the bed of the mad duke.

Edmond Rochester, the duke of Wolverton, is seeking a wife to care for his two daughters. A young lady of sensibilities, accomplishment, and most importantly, one who he is not attracted to—a complete opposite of the bewitching beauty who traps him into marriage. But despite the lust he feels for his new duchess, Edmond is resolved to never allow them intimacy, refusing to ever again suffer the tormenting loss of a loved one.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Just going to note right here how HAPPY I was to post BOTMs for 2021.

[Mariana]

Yes, and I am looking forward to this one!

[Leena]

I've read this and it was a dampner for me.Hope u enjoy it more.

[Mamacita aka MawMaw]

I'm in

[Justin]

just received my copy from the library, looking forward to participate!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I plan to participate in this one too!

[Tanya]

This one seems awesome, eager to read this one!

I had a terrible experience with Eloisa James the last book I read so I'm hesitant

[Leena]

actually, I didn't like tis one at all..so ill post my grievances after the group finishes reading.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Tanya wrote: "This one seems awesome, eager to read this one!

I had a terrible experience with Eloisa James the last book I read so I'm hesitant"

I have not had much success with EJ, so I don’t think I will be reading that book. Looking forward to this one too.

[Lauren]

Looking forward to this one too.
Eloisa James is more miss than hit for me, so I probably won't be reading that one.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I will be doing a reread of the Duke of her own. One of my favourite Dukes.

[Amy]

Leena wrote: "actually, I didn't like tis one at all..so ill post my grievances after the group finishes reading."

And you still hate Evie right?Hahaha 😂 This one was not my fav either

[Justin]

Happy 2021! Just a couple chapters in, first thing I notice is how effortless and digestible Stacy Reid's writing is, I can see myself fly through this very quickly.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Justin wrote: "Happy 2021! Just a couple chapters in, first thing I notice is how effortless and digestible Stacy Reid's writing is, I can see myself fly through this very quickly."

Oh that’s good to hear :)... I haven’t tried Reid yet but have been meaning too. I hope to start this tomorrow.

[Amy]

I love this series!This one is my least favorite but the 3 rest are solid 5 stars!Pleasant read everyone!

[Madison]

Shaz wrote: "I will be doing a reread of the Duke of her own. One of my favourite Dukes."

Mine too! However, I'm going to skip the reread and jump into this one.

[Madison]

Tanya wrote: "This one seems awesome, eager to read this one!

I had a terrible experience with Eloisa James the last book I read so I'm hesitant"

May I ask what the experience was? Totally understandable if you don't want to discuss it.

[Madison]

I started reading this book yesterday. My first impression is that some of the characters do not feel natural. The heroine seems likable enough, so far, though!

[Mariana]

My library couldn't get this one for me, so I'm going to try a sample before purchasing.

[Justin]

Still very early on in the book, the 'compromise' just happened; it's pretty hilarious how much of an asshole every single character is towards the heroine at this point.

[Tanya]

Madison wrote: "Tanya wrote: "This one seems awesome, eager to read this one!

I had a terrible experience with Eloisa James the last book I read so I'm hesitant"

May I ask what the experience was? Totally under..."

Hey Madison, no of course happy to share. So I was given The Ugly Duchess by a friend who had loved loved it when they first read it. I found it a trainwreck - in terms of the plot, characterizations and just so many things. However, the writing was good. I tried one other book but left it halfway as i just couldn't deal with the hero...

Many others actually expressed that this author is most often a miss than a hit, so I've been hesitant to try another from her honestly.

[Tanya]

I just started a couple of hours ago, currently on chapter 6. I am enjoying it up until now. The writing is gripping and yet quite a breeze to get through...

(view spoiler)[ The heroine is yet to really show her characteristics, I like the set-up of needing to compromise someone to escape her arranged marriage. I do appreciate that the hero isn't who she intended on comprising - cause that story is not one I wanna read.

I can already kind of predict the plot of the book considering what we know of the hero and his background, but I am liking the writing and story as of now. (hide spoiler)]

[Jeanne]

I started last night and read the first two chapters. My plan is to read 4 chapters a day as a goal. After just finishing a binge of Tessa Dare, this one was pretty good, but not overwhelmingly great so far. I was a bit confused by all the Dukes of W. Wolverton, Westcott...We need the Duke of Weselton for the next book.

[Justin]

Jeanne wrote: "I started last night and read the first two chapters. My plan is to read 4 chapters a day as a goal. After just finishing a binge of Tessa Dare, this one was pretty good, but not overwhelmingly gre..."

Yes, there are so many Ws in this book! I also came off a Tessa Dare right before this one, and Stacy Reid's writing feels very 'Tessa Dare-lite' it's also quite playful and 'contemporary'.

[Debby *BabyDee*]

I've made it close to the end of the story (view spoiler)[ and I found it very predictable but a very good read. The writing is done very well by Stacy Reid and enjoyed the building relationship between the H/h. (hide spoiler)]

[Mariana]

I liked the sample, so I decided to purchase. What I did not anticipate was my need to devour the book in 24 hours. This was my first book by the author.

Justin, I agree. The writing was definitely effortless and digestible. It was very easy for me to read and balanced the angst and the happy feel-good vibes for me well.

I could not forgive Evie(view spoiler)[ as quickly and easily as Adeline did. I mean, what kind of a friend is that!? Regardless of how it worked out, her motivation was frighteningly selfish. Fortunately, Adeline was kinder that I am; and I thought this was one of the truly original elements to the story. Not many books set up on betrayal from your best friend. It didn't ruin it for me. I would even give Evie's book a chance at this point. (hide spoiler)]

Tanya, I agree. (view spoiler)[I wouldn't want to read a story with Mr. Atwood as the hero. (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to reading others' comments as you continue through the story.

(view spoiler)[Although the plot was predictable, with the writing, it worked for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Merry]

I had read this book in early Dec not realizing it was to be Januarys BOM. I went back and skimmed over it today and realized that story was enjoyable but didn't stick with me. I thought what Evie did bordered on cruelty.

[Madison]

Tanya wrote: "Hey Madison, no of course happy to share. So I was given The Ugly Duchess by a friend who had loved loved it when they first read it. I found it a trainwreck - in terms of the plot, characterizations and just so many things. However, the ..."

That makes a lot of sense! James's fairytale novels nearly really piqued my interest, so I've never attempted a read of one.

I did enjoy her Desperate Duchesses series, especially books five and six. However, I read the first two novels in her Essex Sisters series and was really disconcerted by the relationship portrayed in the second book. Based on the blurbs for the remaining novels and what I knew about the subsequent protagonists through what I had already read, I decided to discontinue the series. So, I completely understand the hit or miss sentiment!

[Madison]

I just finished reading this book! Overall, I found it enjoyable but thought it fell short in many areas. I did notice some errors in phrasing and grammar that were more significant than I usually notice in ebooks, but my primary critique of the book is Reid's character development and portrayal.

My first spoiler does not give away any major plot points but discusses side characters. Do not read if you haven't read through chapter seventeen, though.

(view spoiler)[ I mentioned in my previous comment that some of the characters did not feel natural to me. I think this is primarily because her stepmom and father felt as if they were characters built for the purpose of driving the plot rather than to be actual people. Perhaps it is only due to the small, negative glimpse we are given of them, but they read to me as plot devices rather than genuine characters. I especially got this feeling when reading Adeline's interactions with her father.

Similarly, I found some of her descriptions of the other side characters lackluster. It seemed like Lady Harriet (our Hero's mother) could have been better developed and the romance that is stated to be developing for her further explored.

I really appreciated the focus that the novel put on the Duke's children and their relationship, but they did not feel like two, individual characters with qualities and traits that distinguished them from each other. This is really minuscule, but Reid also depicted the children's tutor as being notably irritated with Adeline when she came into the schoolroom to speak with the children, which just confused me. It took me out of the moment while I was reading and never came up again in the novel. (hide spoiler)]

Do not read my next spoiler unless you have finished the novel!

(view spoiler)[
The characterization of Edmond as the "Mad Duke" is what fell flattest for me, though. For this, I think Reid really failed at achieving the classic writing adage, "show don't tell." The idea that the Duke is "mad" is supposedly a big aspect of the plot, but the only time the significance of it is clear is when Edmond explains the origin of the name to Adeline in the nineteenth chapter. It is not demonstrated through the actions of the Duke or through inner-dialogue but is told to the reader in a speech that made me cringe rather than deeper my compassion for the hero.

Additionally, I wasn't particularly fond of a large part of the climax centering around the Duke being too drunk during a sexual experience to realize that he had came inside Adeline. I don't think this adds any emotional value or meaning to the overarching story but incorporates some morally grey areas into the plot. Although the morally ambiguous can have a really big impact on the unfolding of a story and can pose many questions for the readers, this seemed more like convenient writing than anything else and therefore a bit exploitative. (hide spoiler)]

[Leena]

I agree Merry and she truly doesn't redeem herself in following books either. one character whose treachery I truly can't get over.

[Leena]

I also felt the plot was more for a novella that got stretched into a longer novel.

[Tanya]

I'm just at Chapter 17 and I'll say I actually am enjoying the book. It is decidedly low angst - which I appreciate. Also, is anyone else happy that Edmond hasn't been written as a rake extraordinaire? I am so tired of those hero's - this is refreshing and wonderful to read.

Next spoiler is my prediction of what is going to happen, so only read if you've finished the book lol

(view spoiler)[ I pride myself of knowing where the book is going to go, and this one is quite predictable. The set-up leads me to believe Adel is going to eventually get preggers and Edmond is going to have a thorough break-down before realizing "fear cannot rule your life" and that he loves her very much. (hide spoiler)]

[Merry]

Madison wrote: "I just finished reading this book! Overall, I found it enjoyable but thought it fell short in many areas. I did notice some errors in phrasing and grammar that were more significant than I usually ..."

I think you hit every nail on the head! I actually lowered my rating from a 4 to a 3.5... I know small difference.
Leena I also agree with your assessment.
Its still a fun read.

[Morgan Many Books]

Madison wrote: "I started reading this book yesterday. My first impression is that some of the characters do not feel natural. The heroine seems likable enough, so far, though!"

I always feel this way about Stacy Reid's charcters and writing! This is the only book of hers I thoroughly enjoyed, I will admit but it does gets very very good! The angst skyrockets near the 60% mark.

[Mariana]

Tanya wrote: "I'm just at Chapter 17 and I'll say I actually am enjoying the book. It is decidedly low angst - which I appreciate. Also, is anyone else happy that Edmond hasn't been written as a rake extraordina..."

Yes! Maybe this is one main reason why I liked the book so much. I enjoy a hero who is not a rake at the time of meeting the heroine.

[Tanya]

Agreed Mariana!

So I just finished the book, overall I enjoyed it. It was a fun, quick read with pretty decent writing and well rounded characters. I give it a definite plus for having characters that aren't prone to theatrics or hysterics. Too often in situations like the one later on in the book, the heroine gets waaaaay to dramatic for my liking.

Adeline is wonderfully sensible even when facing emotional upheavals. I love that about her!

(view spoiler)[ If I had to complain, I'd say the plot was predictable to the T. The minute we knew Edmond's first wife died in childbirth we all knew it was going to end here. Also, the last chapter with Adeline actually gives birth was on the threshold of dramatics but still.. I get it. (hide spoiler)]

Has anyone read For Love of the Duke - I believe it is literally the same book (except the beginning compromising bit)

[Tanya]

Madison wrote: "I just finished reading this book! Overall, I found it enjoyable but thought it fell short in many areas. I did notice some errors in phrasing and grammar that were more significant than I usually ..."

Agreed Madison. The whole Mad Duke thing was just something we were to "accept" without any corroborating behaviors or facts to support that.

[Justin]

Tanya wrote: "Agreed Mariana!

So I just finished the book, overall I enjoyed it. It was a fun, quick read with pretty decent writing and well rounded characters. I give it a definite plus for having characters..."

Finished the book today—it's a very pleasant read. I also agree on liking the character dynamic, having actual discussion regarding their emotion/preference than being overly melodramatic.

That said, I do wish there was more 'madness' to the duke in some way—because nothing about him really suggested that label.

Overall a little generic... I don't know if I will even remember reading this in a couple weeks' time.

[Amy]

Leena wrote: "I agree Merry and she truly doesn't redeem herself in following books either. one character whose treachery I truly can't get over."

Merry Jewelhound wrote: "I had read this book in early Dec not realizing it was to be Januarys BOM. I went back and skimmed over it today and realized that story was enjoyable but didn't stick with me. I thought what Evie ..."

I just came to comment that I loooved Evie's story and I beg of you to forgive her 😂😂😂 🤭

[Rina]

I enjoyed this book, even though I thought that the heroine was too forgiving and had forgiven Evie too soon, I would prefer it to be part of Evie's story.

The part with the pregnancy reminded me of The Duke and I, but it is solved much better here.

The plot was somewhat predictable, but I liked both characters and their relationship and I liked the writing, so it was a 4-stars read for me.

[Tanya]

For those who enjoyed this book, you should check out For Love of the Duke

Pretty similar storyline - different writing style. Not better or worse, just different. I enjoyed that one as well (though, in fairness, I read it ages ago)

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Leena wrote: "Amy, really did u read Phoebe and Hugh 's story? she is still condescending- "her love is true and pure and everybody else's isn't " and that's the attitude that completely put me off.

but this d..."

We’re all going to have differing views on the books and what it takes to redeem behaviors. Please be respectful of that. The first sentence of your post could be viewed as personally attacking with its phrasing with the word “really”. I don’t think you intended that but I wanted to express a word of caution. Thank you 😊

[Leena]

sorry, didn't intend so at all , apologies

[Leena]

Deleted comment too

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Thank you. I didn’t think that you did, but I thought it could sound that way. I don’t mean to discourage discussing opposing views, though.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I finished this last night (early morning) and enjoyed it overall. I think I will continue with this series. I liked (view spoiler)[ how Adel was with the girls and how the Duke didn’t hold onto his concerns — that he was able to reason that he bid not continue in his torment. Even if it took him awhile. (hide spoiler)]

Evie: (view spoiler)[ I agree that Adel forgave too soon, but I appreciate led that she realized that it was her friend that betrayed her. I guess I like that it was forgiveness rather than trying to makes excuses for her friend. I am intrigued by Evie and if she ends up with Westfall. (hide spoiler)]

[Jeanne]

I carried on last night and found the book got much better past the half-way point. I found (view spoiler)[ Edmond's family realistic and likeable so it added to the enjoyment of the story, especially the Rosa and Sarah. They weren't little adults but acted like loved children, which says a lot about Edmond. (hide spoiler)].

[Justin]

Agreeing with the comments from Joanna and Jeanne above, really enjoyed the rather civilized family interaction in the later half.

[Amy]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Leena wrote: "Amy, really did u read Phoebe and Hugh 's story? she is still condescending- "her love is true and pure and everybody else's isn't " and that's the attitude that completely put me off..."
I am pretty sure it was not attacking as we are discussing these series for a while now,while having some inside jokes now and then hehe.Language barrier maybe?Sometimes I come out the wrong way in English,since it is not my native tongue.All good though 😊 Thanx for trying to clarify