2.5 STARSSophia was really hard to like in this book. At first, I sympathized with her. She lost her child and her husband (Vane) was seen in society with former mistresses and then he pretty much abandoned her. But as the story goes on, we find out that Vane, while exhibiting questionable judgement, had not been unfaithful to her. Yes, he was a total jackass for leaving her and focusing on his work instead of grieving with her, but he came back to make amends.Vane was a pretty great character. He redeemed himself at every turn. But Sophia threw almost every kindness back in his face, and after awhile it became exhausting. Perhaps the book was a little too long as well, because the back and forth became very hard to take.The childhood adventure game, started by Vane's late mother, was very sweet and probably my favorite part of the book. Fun quote:"I was just trying to make her feel better.""By taking off your breeches?!"I won this book in a giveaway from Ramblings From This Chick book blog. I had read some good reviews about this book from some of my book blogs, so I was excited to try it. I will definitely try this author again, because I liked her writing style. However, I disliked the heroine so much in this story that I can't give this book a good rating. I was rooting for Sophia to get an antiHEA.Sophia and Vane Barwick, are the Duke and Duchess of Claxton. Vane was a typical man-ho before they got married, but was faithful to Sophia once they said their vows 17 months ago. 7 months after they get married, Sophia finds a letter from one of his previous lovers and thinks that he is currently having an affair. The pregnant Sophia has an accident as the result of being so upset from finding this letter, falling down the steps ss she tries to flee the house, and subsequently miscarries. Devastated by the letter and the loss of her unborn child, she sends Vane away.Vane, like the idiot he is, takes her at her word and leaves on a diplomatic mission for his country. While he is gone, many rumors swirl about his continued affairs, and Sophia believes each and every one. She decides that she is going to ask for a separation, but before she does that, she decides that Vane must give her a child so that she has someone to love. Brilliant. And she thinks she's going to be able to twist Vane's arm into letting her keep this child all to herself. Ok, now they're a pair of idiots.Sophia then runs away to Camellia House, one of Vane's estates, thinking that he'll never find her there and she can figure out what she wants to do. But her sisters blab about where she's going, and so he follows her to the manor. But, in a situation that comploetely strains credulity, Vane's brother is at that remote and essentially deserted manor dallying with a married women, the same one who sent Vane the letter that got Sophia so mad. The brother knocks himself out by tripping on a bottle, leaving Vane to tidy up the partially undressed Lady Meltenbourne and bundle her on home. But, of course, Sophia magically walks in and finds Vane with this half undressed and obviously well-kissed woman, and draws the expected conclusion. Vane puts the woman in a second carriage to send her home, and now there's no way for Vane or Sophia to leave. So now, Sophia and Vane are stranded in a snowstorm at this remote and deserted manor. With no one there to be a buffer. Sophia demands that Vane write a list out of all the woman that he has dallied with, so she is not taken by surprise when she meets them later. Vane, like the idiot he is, complies. This is not a good idea from either side! Sophia carries that list around and keeps it tucked in her bodice, using it to nurse her wounded feelings and maintain her pique. Sophia shows how pigheaded and self righteous she is, refusing to listen to Vane or believe him when he tries to get back together with her and tell her he hasn't cheated. I didn't think Vane was any prize either, but I hated Sophia. As with many other reviewers, if I were Vane, I would have told her to go f$%k herself and left as soon as I could.I give the writing 3-1/2 stars, and the story 1 star.
What do You think about Never Desire A Duke (2013)?
Easy Christmassy read about a duke and his estranged duchess rekindling their relationship.
—wish
I found the pacing uneven and really boring at parts.
—saba
Rounded up from 2.5 stars because of the mom.
—Kim
