Jessie Clever

3.75 Stars
A slow-burn historical romance that starts off the series, this novel has a great premise, a beautiful seaside setting (when not in London), and some dynamic characters. The MC takes most of the book for her gradual change from wallflower to strong duchess, and the likeable but gullible male lead takes that long to help make both of them feel secure. The supporting characters are interesting and well-written and the story flows quickly and consistently. I'll try the next book to see what happens with the bestie. A good read for a rainy day.

GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway… (mehr)

Could use a touch of editing, but I am happy to overlook that since it hit on so many of my favored tropes!! One small complaint: I think Dax needed to do more groveling. The angst was soooo delicious, but in the end I felt like Eliza was too forgiving, when all he really ever did to make things right was to send ball invitations that supposedly gave her some power over him. I like the concept of him making himself vulnerable as PART of his redemption but I feel like he really should have had to do more after how much he hurt her. Overall a solid win for several of my shelves!… (mehr)

Dax wants an ugly wife so he won't fall in love, having been jilted by his first love. He picks Eliza Darby, a wallflower who loves dogs. Of course, the marriage doesn't go the way he planned.
I loved Eliza. She's intelligent and acknowledges the real faults in her appearance. My initial good opinion on Dax gradually decreased as the story goes on and I would have thought more of Eliza at the end if she'd not kept letting him get away with stuff with the ex. The villains were pasteboard caricatures, and I hated the confrontation scene on the beach.
It's a quick read but not a book I'd recommend.… (mehr)