BOTM 2 – December 2023 – What I Did for a Duke

[Sandra]

Discussion thread for the second BOTM for December 2023. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some HTML is ok' for instructions.)


What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long

Join us in reading this HR that features the theme WIDOW / WIDOWER!

Synopsis:

What I Did for a Duke

For years, he's been an object of fear, fascination...and fantasy. But of all the wicked rumors that shadow the formidable Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge, the ton knows one thing for certain: only fools dare cross him. And when Ian Eversea does just that, Moncrieffe knows the perfect revenge: he'll seduce Ian's innocent sister, Genevieve—the only Eversea as yet untouched by scandal. First he'll capture her heart...and then he'll break it.

But everything about Genevieve is unexpected: the passion simmering beneath her cool control, the sharp wit tempered by gentleness...And though Genevieve has heard the whispers about the duke's dark past, and knows she trifles with him at her peril, one incendiary kiss tempts her deeper into a world of extraordinary sensuality. Until Genevieve is faced with a fateful choice...is there anything she won't do for a duke?

Happy reading!

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

I seldom reread books, but this is my exception. I plan to join this one. Have been tied up for much of the summer and fall so hope to be doing a book club read.

[Lauren]

I'm hope being at of order won't ruin the story.

[Jan]

I like this book and think it's one of the better ones of the series. Unfortunately for BOTM I already reread it earlier this year and not ready to read again.

Lauren I think this one will be fine as a standalone if you haven't read the others in the series.

Hope those reading it in December enjoy!

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

I have started the audio version of this book today. The first chapter is so good.

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

Chapter 9 and 10. Still not a fan of Justine Eyre. I read the written version in the past. I enjoy the honest conversation happening in these 2 chapters.

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

I finished the book last night and it remained a 5* read for me.

[Susan in Perthshire]

Should have been 5 stars but as I progressed, it lost stars. So disappointing!!

(view spoiler)[A new author to me and I enjoyed the first third a lot!
There were far too many characters. I know there is a series but seriously I had whiplash from the number of characters who appeared during the story!

The original premise (revenge on Ian by seducing his sister), was swiftly abandoned and Alex became a much more rounded and sympathetic character very early on. The development of the relationship between 39 year old cynical, jaded but incredibly sweet Alex and 21 year old ‘put-upon.’ Genevieve was a great story.

I should say that I enjoyed it for about half of the book, because the writing was so good, the dialogue was lively, the characters were engaging and interesting and the story rattled along at a good pace.

But when Genevieve, the heroine showed no signs of realising she no longer loved young Harry or that in reality Alex, the hero was by far more fascinating and delectable than boring young Harry was, I began to get seriously annoyed and frustrated. Even after they started having sex - she still didn’t see what was happening!

Alex was a fabulous hero but totally wasted on the juvenile Genevieve.

When Alex had to take the risks he did at the end, to make her understand what she really felt and finally (about 2 pages from the end - yes I exaggerate but not by much), she realised she loved Alex - I could have throttled her. She was a stupid girl who did not deserve her happy ending. There was no logic to her behaviour at all and as for blaming Alex at the end? Good grief.

One of the huge plot holes which pulled me out of the story was her willingness to continue having mind blowing sex with Alex and never ever worrying about any consequences at all. If she had started to recognise she was in love with Alex, I would have believed in her behaviour, but as she didn’t - I really couldn’t figure it out. What on earth was she planning to do when she finally achieved her goal? Was she going to tell Harry and share her sexual expertise with him? Expect him to say - ‘oh you’re not a virgin, that’s okay, I don’t mind?’ As if! Above all though, I loathed the way she treated Alex throughout the book; she was so incredibly thoughtless and selfish. Just because it’s a woman behaving badly - it doesn’t make it right.

If Genevieve had started to realise she was falling in love with Alex half way through the book, then it would have felt more believable and also more engaging. (hide spoiler)]

I really wanted to love this book but sadly I didn’t. However, the author is so good, I will definitely read more!

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

Susan, I think your points are really valid and I have to agree. The first half of the book is my favorite as the humor is great.

[Susan in Perthshire]

Merry wrote: "Susan, I think your points are really valid and I have to agree. The first half of the book is my favorite as the humor is great."

Thanks Merry. So much that was brilliant - but sadly weakened by Genevieve. I loved the humour too!

[Juliet]

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "Should have been 5 stars but as I progressed, it lost stars. So disappointing!!

A new author to me and I enjoyed the first third a lot!
There were far too many characters. I know there is a seri..."

I didn't love this book either, and I had similar problems with Genevieve - the Saint in her family, and her obtuseness with regard to Harry and Alex! In the end, I felt that Alex was too good for her. It was mind-blowing that she would agree to marry Harry after all the amazing sex with Alex. It was just too much - and it really is down to the last 5 pages that Genevieve has her Eureka moment. That cut it too close to the end for me.

I will say that Julie Anne Long is an incredible writer, and I personally think she has gotten stronger over time. Two of my favorites in this series are A Notorious Countess Confesses, with Evie and Adam Sylvaine and It Started with a Scandal with Elise and Lavay. And I agree that she does humor extremely well!

[Susan in Perthshire]

I adore ‘it started with a scandal’ - definitely my favourite by this author.

[Merry in and out for the next few days]

Susan, I thought that sounded familiar I just read that one.

[Jan]

I agree with the overall thrust of these comments, although I did still enjoy the book. (view spoiler)[I agree that Genevieve is immature, but I liked that she also had depth of character and was seriously underestimated by the rest of her family. It was Alex who could see the real woman within her.

I too did become annoyed by her obsession with Harry dragging on for too long, and that's why this wasn't a five star read for me. I agree it could have been a better book if she had woken up to Alex and dropped the idea of Harry sooner. (hide spoiler)]

[Susan in Perthshire]

Jan wrote: "I agree with the overall thrust of these comments, although I did still enjoy the book. I agree that Genevieve is immature, but I liked that she also had depth of character and was seriously undere..."

Yes - my feelings exactly.

[Lauren]

I finished this book last week. I liked it but I agree that her love for Harry got old. It was my only problem with the story. Strangely, my favorite part was Alex torturing Ian. It never got old

[Jan]

Lauren wrote: "..... Strangely, my favorite part was Alex torturing Ian. It never got old"

Yeah those parts were funny. Ian deserved it though LOL.