BOTM 2 - June 2022 - The Duchess War

[Susan]

Discussion thread for the second BOTM for June 2022. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan

Synopsis:

Sometimes love is an accident.

This time, it’s a strategy.

Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly—so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past. Wallflowers may not be the prettiest of blooms, but at least they don't get trampled. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention.

But that is precisely what she gets.

Because Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, is not fooled. When Minnie figures out what he’s up to, he realizes there is more to her than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he’s determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy miss may prove to be more than his match...

[Leena]

This is a lovely book and that cover is to die for.

[Amber]

I look forward to reading this book. I have been meaning to start this series for the past months. Alas, school has kept me busy and unable to read as much as I would like. But, summer is here and it is time to read as much as possible!!!

[T.]

I just finished the prequel novella today and ready to start this one tomorrow. The Governess Affair was definitely one of the better novellas that I’ve read.

[Gaea]

On chapter 5 and I’m so bored.

[Jan]

I started this one a few days ago and have nearly finished it (up to Chapter 23). But I feel you, Gaea. The book started off quite well, but I'm also feeling a little bored with it now. I have put it down and picked up something else for a while. I would like to finish it seeing as I've gotten this far. Perhaps the last few chapters will pick up a little. I will get back to it soon.

[T.]

I’m spread a little thin and committing myself to read a couple of chapters a day. I’m at chapter five and enjoying it so far. I didn’t care for this author’s somewhat recent release of The Duke Who Didn't (my first by the author) and I’m finding the writing in this series far and above, more interesting.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

T. wrote: "I’m spread a little thin and committing myself to read a couple of chapters a day. I’m at chapter five and enjoying it so far. I didn’t care for this author’s somewhat recent release of [book:The D..."

I felt like The Duke Who Didn’t was unlike any I had read by the author, so not very indicative to most her work.

[Jan]

OK I finished The Duchess War. 3 stars. I didn't really get drawn in to it that much. I didn't dislike it, but somehow didn't really connect with the main characters enough to fully enjoy it. I'm not sure whether I'll read more in the series.

T, I tried The Duke Who Didn't, but after reading the sampler decided not to buy or read the whole thing as it didn't draw me in enough. I have read Unraveled from the Turner series and quite enjoyed that one. (Not sure why I read Bk 3 first LOL!) I might try more in that series, maybe.

[Mariana]

This was one of the first virgin hero books I read, and it ended up one of my favorite HRs. I've already read it many times though so not ready for a reread. Sorry it has seemed boring to many who decided to join in. A lot of my preferences are in the minority.

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

I thought about rereading this book as I gave it 4* on my first read. I find Milan's books good to just ok but not an author I look forward to her next book, so I decided to read the other BOM. I am enjoying other thoughts about this book.

[Jan]

Mariana wrote: "This was one of the first virgin hero books I read, and it ended up one of my favorite HRs. I've already read it many times though so not ready for a reread. Sorry it has seemed boring to many who ..."

Glad you enjoyed, Mariana. Like Merry, I enjoy reading others' thoughts and opinions on the BOTMs, even if I had a different reading experience. Makes me think and reflect.

BTW I didn't think the hero was a virgin? I thought there was a mention of other experiences he'd had (or am I mixing that up with another read LOL).

[Mariana]

Jan wrote: "Mariana wrote: "This was one of the first virgin hero books I read, and it ended up one of my favorite HRs. I've already read it many times though so not ready for a reread. Sorry it has seemed bor..."

He was definitely a virgin because he did not want to be like his father the rapist. There was an erotic fantasy that he masterbated to early on.

[Jan]

Mariana wrote: "He was definitely a virgin because he did not want to be like his father the rapist ..."

Oops sorry. I must have mixed that idea up from another book.

[Amy]

I am joining as from today!Starting right now :)

[Danielle A]

The duchess war was my first HR. Courtney Milan's writing is amazing. I hope everyone is enjoying it!

[Amy]

This book makes not so much sense for me :( I don't get how those two fell in love,I don't get how a Duke married a commoners,I don't get neither Robert's nor his Mother's behaviour.I like the writing but plot is not solid so far...76%

[Mariana]

Danielle A wrote: "The duchess war was my first HR. Courtney Milan's writing is amazing. I hope everyone is enjoying it!"

This was one of my first HRs too and definitely my first favorite.

[T.]

I’ve been reading this slowly, but thoroughly and thoughtfully, and I’m frustrated by some inconsistencies and impossibilities in the timeline and characterizations. I’m waiting to see if one of them will be explained before I mention it, but so far, I’m struggling with the writing style. I enjoyed the prequel novella and I’m wondering if her style is better for me in short form, without competing storyline/plot line tangents?